Facing life as a single mother: Chantelle Houghton shows the strain of her split from Alex Reid as she heads out with baby Dolly

She split from fiance Alex Reid last week, claiming she had 'no option' but to call time on their troubled relationship.
And as she left the couple's home in Brentwood, Essex, earlier today (Monday), the strain of the past few weeks was clear to see on the face of Chantelle Houghton.
Stepping out with the pair's three-month-old daughter, Dolly, the 29-year-old reality star looked pained as she got into her car.

 

Stressed: The strain of the past few days was clear to see as Chantelle Houghton left her home in Brentwood, Essex, this afternoon

Wearing a white blazer, black leggings and flat ballet pumps, the usually bubbly blonde looked a far cry from her normal self as she went about her chores.
Chantelle announced the couple's split via Twitter on Friday, saying: ‘Unfortunately I have no option but to end my relationship with Alex.’

It came after the 37-year-old cage fighter was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at the pair's home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
And neighbours toldhow they were woken in the middle of the night by a 'screaming' Alex attempting to force his way in to the property.

 

 

Single mum: The reality star kept her head down as she went about her chores

 

Strained: Alex and Chantelle's three-month-old daughter Dolly accompanied the model as she went about her day

One told the Daily Star: 'I could hear a man shouting and when I looked out I saw Alex Reid.
'He was screaming, "Let me in, f***ing let me in.’ Other people living in the street must have woken up because I saw a few lights go on".'
He was since released by Essex Police without charge.
But it would seem the events of the past week have also taken their toll on the father-of-one, as he resorted to spending Friday night alone snacking on KFC in his black Audi.
The star cut a lonely figure as he went into the fast food chicken restaurant in Essex to pick up a meal for one, before pulling over in a lay-by to tuck into his greasy dinner.

 

Slumming it: Alex Reid resorts to a meal for one in his black Audi in an Essex lay by on Friday night

Katie Price’s ex-husband was clearly still reeling from his split from former girlfriend Chantelle Houghton as his car was piled high with boxes of his possessions.
Without anyone to spend his Friday night with and obviously with no permanent base to store his belongings, Alex seemed to be eating his problems away.
Shovelling food into his mouth, he seemed a world away from the glamorous life he led with his model ex-wife.

 

 

Tucking in: Alex guzzles down his chicken dinner, surrounded by boxes of his clothes and possessions

 

After his lonely night, the 37-year-old reality star was seen leaving the couple’s home in Brentwood the next morning while his ex-girlfriend popped by later to pick up a few things.
Wearing a sombre black outfit and basic make-up, Chantelle was clearly in mourning for the relationship that she put an end to last week.
While it’s believed that the couple both still reside at the same address, they seem to be working out ways to avoid each other.

 

 

Meal for one: Alex looks glum as he stops by his local KFC in Essex to pick up a bucket of chicken