'He just needs some time and space to be on his own'
The 48 year-old actor, who was found not guilty of child sex allegations by a jury two weeks ago, ended the relationship earlier this week.
Mother of four Blanca, 31, had stood by her partner throughout the trial – and Michael even thanked her for keeping him sane.
The news was revealed by a source close to the star, who said: 'Michael has been through the toughest ordeal of his life.
'His short-term priority is to have a holiday then get back to work on Coronation Street'
'He just needs some time and space to be on his own, get his head right and rebuild his life.
'His short-term priority is to have a holiday then get back to work on Coronation Street and do what he does best.'
The friend told a UK newspaper that it was Michael’s decision to end things but the pair, who only got together in May, remain close after having gone through a lot together.
Blanca was with him last week at a lunch with his family to thank them for their support throughout his ordeal.
Michael’s sister Susan Westcott said days after he was cleared of charges: ‘Blanca came along at the right time for him.
‘He’s a private guy who doesn’t say much about the girls he sees. But, as his sister, I just want to see him happy. Its the least he deserves.’
Coronation Street bosses have written Le Vell into the script for a comeback in a Christmas special, after he was suspended over the child sex charges with his character leaving to care for his sick father abroad.