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Ben and Jen go their separate ways

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Hollywood's most talked-about couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, have broken up. Jennifer's spokesperson has told celebrity magazines stateside that the glamorous couple have decided to finish their relationship.

"I am confirming the reports that Jennifer has ended her engagement to Ben Affleck," said a representative for the actress. "At this difficult time, we ask that you respect their privacy."

The announcement marks the end of a trying 15 months for the A-list couple, as their engagement was beset by relentless media scrutiny. They had intended to make their vows last September, but called off the wedding at the last minute citing press attention as the main reason.

Tabloid rumours that Ben had visited a strip club also hit the couple, while their onscreen collaboration, Gigli, was roundly panned by critics. His extravagant gifts for the Bronx-born actress – including luxury cars and a £700,000 pink diamond engagement ring – also helped keep them in the headlines.

Ben and Jen, as they came to be known, first met in late 2001. In November of the following year they got engaged, just months after Jennifer's previous marriage to dancer Cris Judd collapsed.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Ben and Jennifer's relationship has suffered relentless media attention right from the outset. The demands of their respective movie careers have also made it difficult for them to spend time together
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Their onscreen collaboration in the movie Gigli received less than favourable reviews and flopped dramatically at the box office