'I'm taking a step back' Former TOWIE star Kate Wright reveals she's quitting showbiz to focus on Rio and his family

Former The Only Way is Essex star Kate Wright has announced she's quitting showbiz to focus on new boyfriend Rio and his family.

Kate, who became famous when she joined the cast of TOWIE in 2015, revealed the news to The Sun, saying she wants to keep her life private.

'I'm taking a step back from the public eye, I want to keep my life private as I lived my previous relationship on TOWIE, my priority right now is Rio and the family', she told the publication.

Kate had already taken the first step towards removing herself from the limelight when she decided to leave TOWIE in April this year.

This is the first time the 26-year-old has publicly discussed her relationship with Rio, as the two have been keeping things as low-key as possible despite being spotted together multiple times.

The relationship with Kate is Rio's first romance since he lost his wife Rebecca in 2015, with whom he had three children - sons Lorenz, 11 and Tate, nine, and daughter Tia, six.

As well as growing closer together as a couple, Kate has also been getting a bigger role in Rio's kids' lives.

The former reality TV star went on holiday with him and his family over the summer, and the two appeared to confirm their relationship by posting pictures of each other on Instagram.

One of her holiday pictures, where she could be seen cuddling Rio's daughter Tia, hit a chord with many of Kate's fans who praised her for how gracefully she's dealing with her new relationship.

'This just makes my heart melt...what a gorgeous group of women plus one dolly who clearly adores you @xkatiewright God bless!', one said.

Another wrote: 'It takes a strong woman to do what you are doing especially in the public eye, that alone is admirable. The dignity, class and respect you have for this family is how everyone should be.'

'Gorgeous photo. All the luck in the world to you Katie, Rio & his family, a third follower commented.

It's been a difficult few months for Rio and his family, as his mum passed away in July, at just 58 years old.

The tragic loss came only two years after the footballer lost his wife Rebecca, an experience which he opened up about in BBC One documentary Being Mum and Dad earlier this year.

'You realise playing football was a f***ing walk in the park compared to telling your kids their mum isn't coming back,' he admitted at the time. 'I've never had to do something so hard, so emotionally draining and testing.'