Charlize Theron splits from Stuart

Jan 31, 2010, 13:04 GMT

Charlize Theron has reportedly split from her partner of nine years.

The actress - who first met Stuart Townsend on the set of 'Trapped' in 2001 - has told friends she split from the Irish actor after a trip to Mexico over the Christmas period, and has now stopped wearing an antique commitment ring he had given her as a sign of his love.

A friend of the couple said: "Stuart is gutted but Charlize said that she realised during the Mexican holiday the relationship was over. They had become more like brother and sister than lovers. It was she who ended it."

The 34-year-old Hollywood actress is now reportedly living in their main home in the Hollywood Hills, while he has moved his belongings into their beach house.

A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "She loved Stuart but their relationship ran its course. He is heartbroken but she is insisting it is over. Charlize was surprised the story hadn't come out yet. But she didn't confirm it because she wanted to break the news in her own time."

Stuart has previously spoken about how he considered Charlize to be his wife, even though they'd never married.

He said: "I didn't do a church wedding or anything but we consider ourselves husband and wife. I don't need a certificate or the state or the church to say otherwise."

A spokesman for Charlize said last night (30.01.10): "I never comment on her personal life."