Unmarried partner visa - End of relationship

Hi all

Got a bit of a tricky one... Ive been in the UK for 7 years now - 2 as a working hoilday-maker (Im South African) and then 5 as an unmarried partner of an EEA National (my Irish boyfriend). We dated for 10 years and after 3 years of living in London decided we needed a break. I did not report the end of the relationship to the authorities because we were still trying to work on things. The end of last year we both did a trip to South Africa but at the end of the year decided it was well and truly over and we needed to start the new year single.

Unfortunately I did not apply for ILR due to us living at seperate addresses at the time. I know I ahve to alert the authorites about the relationship breaking down but I worry that I will have to go home. I have been in the same job for seven year now, pay my taxes, have no criminal record and would like to stay in the UK.

Is there anything that can be done? My ex and I are still friends so he is prepared to help me.

Thanks for any advice you can give...