My husband and split up after 17 years but we are still pals and go out together

THE breakdown of a long, relationship can often lead to domestic drama to rival any soap opera.

- EMMA PRYER

But not for EastEnders legend Lucy Benjamin. Her 17-year marriage to Richard Taggart ended last year - but the 53-year-old says the split was completely amicable.

While her character, Lisa Fowler, famously gunned down lover Phil Mitchell in one of the BBC soap's most-watched storylines, Lucy and Richard are still close pals.

The star, who has two daughters Bessie, 17, and Rosie, 13 - with Richard, said: "I'm still great friends with Rich and we go out together. It's brilliant.

"We'll be a team for ever. We've got kids together, so that will always be. But it's on to the next chapter, really, and we'll see what that brings." And Lucy says she is still learning about life and acting.

She added: "I can be a pain in the ass but I'm comfortable with being that sometimes! I don't have a problem being told I've done something wrong - something my kids often do!"

Lucy plays pushy mum Elaine Reynolds in a new film, Look To The Light, opposite screen husband Martin, played by former Holby City and Corrie star Mark Moraghan.

The storyline centres on their son Eddie (Charlie Goddard) and his relationship with his girlfriend Lauren (Lily Blunsom-Washbrook).

Eddie's obsession with becoming a reality TV star ends in tragedy when he finds overnight fame on a fictitious reality show called Love on the Rocks.

But Lucy says her own experience of being a mum couldn't be more different to that of wealthy Elaine, who showers her son with gifts but never asks him about his well-being.