'Bennifer' union is off again - reports

The on-again, off-again relationship between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez is finished for good, it was confirmed today.

A spokesman for Lopez confirmed the split to the Associated Press following reports on websites for People and Us weekly magazines.

A statement from Dan Klore Communications said: “I am confirming the reports that Jennifer Lopez has ended her engagement to Ben Affleck. At this difficult time, we ask that you respect her privacy.”

According to the reports the split happened on January 20, three days after Affleck returned to Los Angeles from the Sundance Film Festival.

A spokesman for Affleck declined comment.

Affleck and J-Lo, together dubbed “Bennifer”, were due to marry last September but the €2m ceremony was called off at the last minute.

The ceremony was expected to have been held at a private €23m estate in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, California.

But the couple said: “We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families and our friends.”

Guests expected at the wedding included Hollywood stars Matt Damon, Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry and Alec Baldwin.

At the time the couple blamed media pressure for stopping what should have been the “happiest day” of their lives.

For months there has been rampant speculation about whether the couple would wed or split.

Celebrity-watchers suggested that Affleck, 31, had cold feet, and called off the wedding.

Others claimed his alleged bad boy behaviour at a Vancouver strip club had soured the relationship.

But the couple were still seen out and about together after the wedding was postponed.