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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Maisie Lillywhite

Gogglebox stars Denise van Outen and Eddie Boxshall's split may be linked to two relationship phenomena

After seven years together, Gogglebox favourites Denise Van Outen and Eddie Boxshall have decided to call time on their relationship.

The pair, who were engaged, unfortunately met their fate after West End star Denise reportedly found messages to other women on Eddie's phone, leaving her 'furiously angry' and 'heartbroken', according to OK! Magazine.

It is widely known that January is the worst month for divorce, with many people kicking their partner out of the equation in a bid for happiness in a new year.

Read more: Celebrity Gogglebox's Denise van Outen rumoured to be joined by Girls Aloud star on sofa after split from Eddie Boxshall

Researchers from the University of Washington examined data about divorce filings over the course of 14 years. From 2001-2015, researchers noted a consistent rise in divorce proceedings beginning in January.

But the so-called 'Divorce Month' may not be the only reason the pair have split.

Denise and Eddie are not the only couple to split after seven years, as splitting up at this point in a relationship appears to be a phenomenon known as the Seven Year Itch.

LalalaLetMeExplain told OK! why this strange, but common, phenomenon seems to occur: "The seven year itch is very real. Sometimes it can happen earlier or later, but it's the point where a relationship plateaus. The couple feel boredom and dissatisfaction because they've fallen into a routine.

"They can find themselves acting more like friends. Sometimes, not even friends - just two people who live in the same house and pass each other every so often or have monthly robotic sex."

These issues can be rectified, so all hope is not lost for couples being scratched by the Seven Year Itch.

LalalaLetMeExplain explained: "It is about making sure that the passion and the fire stay alive. So have proper date nights, especially if you've got children. Hire a babysitter and go out,

"Do the things that you used to enjoy doing when you were first together. Don't let those don't let those things die out. Go and discover new things together.

Denise and Eddie were firm favourites on Celebrity Gogglebox (Handout)

"Do something that's outside the norm, have new experiences together and I'd also recommend reading Mind the Gap: The truth about desire and how to future proof your sex life by Dr Karen Gurney [The Sex Doctor].

"It's all about making sure that you maintain desire in long term relationships, and how you can rebuild it because sex is really important.

"When The Sex Doctor was a guest on my podcast she spoke about the need for jealousy.

"An uncontrollable amount of jealousy is unhealthy in a relationship, but having it as a small element and feeling like 'this person could go at any time, and I have to keep them' actually helps.

"Knowing that your partner is desirable to other people means that you keep making an effort to keep things alive.

"Appreciate what you've got and the fact that you are both choosing each other. That should never be taken for granted."

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