SHATTERED Strictly Come Dancing star Ricky Groves was in tears - and on the beers - last night after being DITCHED by his newly-slimline missus.
Actor Ricky was thrilled with wife Hannah Waterman's waif-like figure after she sensationally lost 3st.
Teeny weeny in a bikini ... new-look Hannah Waterman
Teeny weeny in a bikini ... new-look Hannah Waterman
But he was devastated on New Year's Day when she told him her new look had brought her added confidence plus loads of male attention - and that their three-year marriage was over.
Distraught Ricky, 41, then asked her to pack her bags and move out of the home they share near Huntingdon, Cambs.
One source said the actor, who played unlucky-in-love Garry Hobbs alongside Hannah in EastEnders, had spent the last few days sobbing over the break-up.
Big hit ... Hannah's DVD
Big hit ... Hannah's DVD
Onlookers at his local pub revealed he had been seeking solace over a few pints.
Stripping
One regular said: "Ricky's been boozing a lot more since Hannah walked out - I guess he's lonely.
"She just confessed to him one day that it was over. It was completely out of the blue for him, he thought they were happy.
"He said he's going to find it hard to move on. He loved her - no matter what size she was."
Hannah, daughter of Minder star Dennis, went from 10st 4lb to 7st 10lb in five months on a strict diet and exercise regime.
Co-stars ... Ricky and Hannah in EastEnders
Co-stars ... Ricky and Hannah in EastEnders
Her DVD Hannah Waterman's Body Blitz is flying off shelves.
And the 34-year-old New Tricks star, who played Laura Beale in EastEnders, is showing off her new look by stripping in West End theatre show Calendar Girls.
Ricky ALSO lost nearly 2st after his Strictly stint - falling from 14st 10lb to 13st.
He even told fellow TV contestants: "We're the incredible shrinking couple!"
But friends of the pair told of his marriage split misery last night.
One said: "Hannah looks amazing with her trim new figure and Ricky was hoping to show her off over the coming months.
"Since going from size 16 to size six, Hannah's been treating herself to lots of sexy lingerie and mini-skirts.
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"Ricky was delighted as any red-blooded man would be - but unfortunately Hannah seems to have a new-found confidence with her new figure.
"She's been turning heads and she knows it.
"It seems Ricky no longer fits into her life. She's enjoying looking sexy and wants to enjoy life as a single woman.
"Poor Ricky's absolutely gutted."
The pair last night confirmed the split - but blamed conflicting work schedules.
Ricky is on a Strictly Come Dancing tour and Hannah is to tour with Calendar Girls.
A spokesman said: "Ricky Groves and Hannah Waterman have announced today that after much consideration they have decided to formally separate.
"Both their careers have been hugely successful, but for most of last year their work has kept them apart."
Hannah added: "We would like to remain friends with respect for each other."
The pair got engaged in 2005 while EastEnders co-stars and married the following year.
From The Sun