Clooney and girlfriend split

Actor confirms break-up with Elisabetta Canalis...

08:54 23 June 2011

George Clooney has confirmed that he and his Italian girlfriend of two years, Elisabetta Canalis, have split.

In a statement released in London, the actor said:

"We're not together anymore. It's very difficult and very personal, so we hope that our privacy is respected."

This news comes just weeks after 32-year-old model, Canalis, gushed about her "fairytale" romance in a magazine interview.

She spoke to Italian magazine, Chi, about her desire to marry, which could have played a part in the breakdown of their relationship, according to reports:

"I am a firm believer in marriage; in the future I will be married.

"But for the time being I am happy as I am. I donÂ’t need anything to confirm how happy I amÂ… I am very happy at the moment, thanks to my man, and my fairytale is continuing."

Clooney has, however, insisted that he will never walk down the aisle again, following his four-year marriage to actress Talia Balsam:

"I tried marriage and it didnÂ’t work.

"I have had long relationships with women and they get bored with me working all the time.

"My fear is that I would make a lousy husband and I donÂ’t want to put myself, or anyone else, through the pain of finding out. If I was my girlfriend, I wouldnÂ’t put up with me for very long."

The couple got together in 2009, first stepping out together at the Venice Film Festival.