Hollyoaks star Ruby O'Donnell, 19, is dating Wigan Warriors ace Sam Halsall

Hollyoaks star Ruby O’Donnell is dating Wigan Warriors rugby ace Sam Halsall, and the couple have already gone Instagram official with their romance.

The soap star, 19, shared a loved-up snap with the sportsman, 18, as they enjoyed a romantic hike in Lancashire’s Rivington Pike, and they have also enjoyed dates at Manchester’s Christmas market.

Ruby has played Peri Lomax since 2013, and has earned critical acclaim for her performance as the embattled teen.

Sweet: Hollyoaks star Ruby O’Donnell is dating Wigan Warriors rugby ace Sam Halsall, and the couple have already gone Instagram official with their romance

Ruby shared the first glimpse at her romance with Sam on Monday as they enjoyed a sunset hike together.

The actress also made a playful pout for the camera in another cute selfie posted by Sam, who has also shared a snap with his girlfriend following a trip to the Christmas market in Manchester.

It has also been reported by The Sun that the couple have been dating since September, but have only now confirmed their relationship. 

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Ruby O’Donnell and Sam Halsall for comment.

Together: The soap star, 19, shared a loved-up snap with the sportsman, 18, as they enjoyed a romantic hike in Lancashire’s Rivington Pike

Sam first signed for Wigan Warriors in 2017, and has been named as part of the first team squad for 2020.

Meanwhile Ruby has played Peri six years, and first earned praise following a storyline which saw the schoolgirl fall pregnant at the age of 14.

In 2018 she also received Best Young Performance for the British Soap Award for a plot which saw Peri run away from home and live on the streets for 71 days.

They’re dating! Sam also shared a snap with Ruby from their romantic outing to a Christmas market in Manchester

Last year Ruby spoke about how she’s in no rush to find love, as she usually prefers to keep her relationship out of the spotlight. 

She told The Daily Star: ‘I’m always open to it but I am just so busy and love going out with my mates. I have the best friends ever. When it comes to boys I do worry if they are interested in me or the fact that I’m on the TV.

‘For a lot of people they want to be famous, and you do get those boys who are like that, so you’ve got to keep your walls up so high.

‘I’ve had situations where I’ve thought I’ve really liked someone but then realise that they were only in it for the fame.’

Candid: Last year Ruby spoke about how she’s in no rush to find love, as she usually prefers to keep her relationship out of the spotlight