Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson confirm split

Church and Henson announced their engagement in a glossy magazine

Singer and TV talent judge Charlotte Church and her fiance Gavin Henson have broken up after five years together, it has been confirmed.

The couple, who insist no-one else was involved in the split, announced their engagement just six weeks ago.

A statement issued on behalf of them said: "They are trying their hardest to deal with this difficult time for both of them."

Henson is thought to have flown to Spain for a break with friends.

In April, the pair told OK! magazine that Henson flew Church to Cornwall by helicopter before proposing in a restaurant.

The magazine claimed that Henson had secretly bought Church a two-carat heart-shaped diamond engagement ring while they were on holiday in Dubai in January.

At the time, Church said she was "absolutely joyous" and "really emotional".

Referring to the split, the full statement said: "Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson have confirmed reports of their separation and would like to stress that no third party was involved.

"They are trying their hardest to deal with this difficult time for both of them in a way which will minimise the impact on their two young children.

"They fully intend to work together and cooperate in ensuring there is as little disruption as possible to the children's lives."

Former child star Church, 24, recently returned to TV screens as a judge on Andrew Lloyd Webber's talent show Over the Rainbow.