A Strictly star stepped out in Sussex without her wedding ring just days after announcing her marriage was over.

Rachel Riley was spotted in public without her ring for the first time on Thursday night while hosting the Sussex Business Awards at the Brighton Dome.

But if the brainy blonde from Countdown was heartbroken, she hid it well.

Guests at the glittering do said the 27-year-old was on fine form, laughing and joking with business leaders and posing for pictures.

Rachel, who was fifth to be voted off BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing this year, wed university sweet-heart Jamie Gilbert in August 2012.

However the pair – who met while studying at Oxford University – revealed they had split last week after just 16 months of marriage.

It’s believed former public schoolboy Mr Gilbert had become frustrated at the couple spending long periods apart due to Rachel’s hectic work schedule.

Rachel replaced Carol Vorderman on Channel 4’s daytime quiz show four years ago, which is filmed in Manchester.

She also travels to Birmingham to film Channel 5’s The Gadget Show and spent weeks in rehearsals in London for Strictly Come Dancing.

But just days after the split, the star was seen looking happy and relaxed at the Dome, wearing a glamorous black halter-neck jump- suit with sequins.

One guest said: “Rachel looked carefree and bubbly and was really cheerful – although people did notice she wasn’t wearing her ring.

“She didn’t look like someone who had just split up with her husband.

“You’d never have known it in a million years.

“Most of the time she was happy, laughing and having a good time.”

After the ceremony the star was photographed walking around The Lanes – again without her ring.

A spokeswoman for Rachel Riley said: “There is nothing to add to recent announcements regarding Rachel’s private life.”