Ferne McCann insists she and Charlie Sims are not back together.

Ferne McCann at the British Academy Television Awards

Ferne McCann at the British Academy Television Awards

The 'Only Way Is Essex' star split from her long-term boyfriend earlier this year after he asked her to choose between him and the ITVBe show and although they were rumoured to have got back together, Ferne has now revealed she is definitely still single.

Asked if they'd rekindled their relationship, Ferne exclusively told BANG Showbiz at the British Academy Television Awards at London's Theatre Royal: "No, no. I'm not back with Charlie ... I'm still single."

However, the 24-year-old beauty claims she and the deli owner - who broke up after months of arguments between her and his sister Chloe Sims - are still on speaking terms.

She explained: "I still speak to him as a friend. We were together for five years. I'm not going to invest that amount of time in someone and then just be like, 'Bye!' So yeah, we're cool."

Ferne - who walked the red carpet at the annual awards ceremony with close friend and co-star Lydia Bright - also confessed she'd never say never to reuniting with her ex.

Quizzed on whether seeing Lydia get back together with James 'Arg' Argent made her think they could make it work, Ferne added: "You never know!"

Charlie sparked rumours they'd got back together last week when he uploaded a photograph of the pair alongside a touching message on Instagram.

He wrote: "That exact moment when that person walks in the room.. And you want to say "I've missed you", but you don't! Because you know that is a complete understatement. @fernemccann #LongTime NoSee #SugarHut #BankHolidayMonday (sic)."