19 FEBRUARY 2003
Model Rachel Hunter has confirmed her split from boyfriend Robbie Williams, though she insists there is no third party involved.

Speaking about the break-up for the first time, Rachel told HELLO! magazine: "It's true - we have broken up. We are, and always will remain the greatest of friends. I absolutely adore him. He is a very special guy to me - there is no-one else involved." Her statement discounts rumours of a romance with Puddle Of Mud frontman Wes Scantlin. Rachel is believed to have found Robbie's mood swings and constant worrying hard to put up with. The 33-year-old eventually called time on their relationship just before the singer's birthday last week.

"It became increasingly difficult to carry on the relationship when they were both so busy and sometimes in different countries," said Rachel's spokesperson. The two met just under a year ago when they were introduced by friends in Los Angeles, where the former Take That star now lives. They started dating immediately, but Robbie's emotional difficulties apparently proved too much for the mother-of-two.

"He is constantly fighting his own demons," said a friend of the musician. "It makes him a difficult person to be close to and Rachel couldn't cope with it any more."

For the full exclusive interview with Rachel, see this week's HELLO! magazine, on sale now.