One of Britain's biggest female soap stars has spoken of her torment over losing custody of her children.

The actress, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took to social media to share her devastation before quickly deleting the posts.

She launched a furious attack on her husband, who she accused of being secretly addicted to pornography.

One of Britain's biggest female soap stars, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has spoken of her torment over losing custody of her children. File image of woman used

The soap star posted: 'It breaks my heart so much. No mother deserves this punishment.

'I've messed up I admit but I don't deserve to lose (them). I hope your (sic) happy. I hate your guts.'

She did not elaborate on how she had 'messed up' in her personal life, but said she was 'heartbroken' at being separated from her children.

When a friend commented in support, she replied: 'Thanks darlin. I'm heartbroken. How sad I met a guy who looked at this stuff all our married life. You knock me sick.'

She did not go on to explain how she had 'messed up'.

A source close to the TV star, who is a household name, is getting support for her issues from friends in the industry.

They told the Daily Star: 'Many people in the business had no idea of what she was going through.'

The actress did not respond to the newspaper's requests for comment last night.