TV GARDENING star Charlie Dimmock has split with the long-time partner who shared her Romsey home after falling for a colleague on the popular Ground Force show.

Her former partner of 13 years, John Mushet, told a Sunday newspaper the couple had broken-up after flame-haired Charlie, 34, admitted she was involved with sound technician Andy Simmonds.

Mr Mushet also claimed fame had changed his long-term girlfriend from the charming garden centre manager he loved into a prima-donna. But the six-month relationship between Mr Simmonds and the famously bra-less gardener, who rose to fame while working at Mill Water Gardens near Romsey, is now understood to have also finished.

Today Mr Simmonds insisted he had no idea Miss Dimmock was still with businessman John when they became involved.

Speaking from his parents' home in Cosham, near Portsmouth, he said: "Our affair is now well and truly over and haven't seen or spoken to her for a while."

Mr Mushet, a garden pond merchant, is believed to have moved from the couple's 17th century cottage in Romsey and is now living in St Albans in Hertfordshire.

Miss Dimmock was understood to have returned to Romsey briefly to visit friends yesterday, reportedly leaving under a blanket on the back-seat of a mini-cab.

Today a spokeswoman at Mill Water Gardens told the Daily Echo: "Charlie is not here at the moment as she is busy with other projects.

"We have had the press here all weekend and are just about fed up with it."