Shane Richie has reportedly grown closer to his soap co-star Marianne 'Mazz' Murray following his separation from his wife, Christine Goddard. The former couple's divorce was finalised on July 23 after 19 years of marriage. It has also been reported that Christine initiated the divorce proceedings after becoming fed up with his spiralling behaviour.

As he faces a tumultuous time in his personal life, actress Marianne, 51, whom Shane appeared with in Boogie Nights, has 'kept a smile on his face' and 'put a spring back in his step'. A source told The Sun: 'Shane and Mazz have always got on like a house on fire and in recent months, as his marriage crumbled, Shane's found himself buoyed by their friendship.'

She's had a painful split of her own so the pair have found solace sharing their experiences. They make each other laugh, trust and like each other so it's no surprise they've grown closer. Christine confirmed their divorce to the publication and has now changed her Facebook relationship status to 'divorced'.

It is pertinent to mention that the former couple share three children and bought the house together in 2008, marking the end of a long-term chapter in their lives as they move forward independently.