Jenkins’s engagement to TV presenter called off

OPERA star Katherine Jenkins has revealed that she and her TV presenter fiance Gethin Jones have ended their relationship, just six months before they were due to marry.

The Welsh singer, who began dating the former Blue Peter host in late 2007, said they were both “beyond broken-hearted” at the decision.

Jenkins and Jones announced the news by each posting statements on Twitter.

Mezzo-soprano Jenkins, 31, from Neath, South Wales, wrote: “Sorry for being quiet of late, it’s just that I have some very sad news.

“Geth and I have decided to go our separate ways. We are both beyond broken-hearted. All your hugs and support will be much appreciated.”

Cardiff-born Jones, 33, echoed his former fiancee’s words in a post to his followers on the social networking site.

He said: “I’m deeply sad to tell you that Kath and I have ended our relationship as a couple. We are both heartbroken.”

The pair announced their engagement in February and were expected to wed in 2012.

Earlier this year, Jones had said becoming a husband was “probably going to be the best job I ever have and one I’ll want to do the best I can at”.

He added: “Family for me is about staying together and hopefully I’ll be the best husband possible.”

Jenkins is worth £30m according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

She made recording history when her first five classical studio albums went to number one in the classical charts. She has sold more than 3,000,000 records to date.

A spokesman for the singer said: “Katherine and Gethin have broken up but there is no further comment.”

According to the Daily Telegraph, a friend of Jones in Cardiff said: “They were the ideal couple — they looked amazing together, they had similar interests and they are both Welsh.

“But Katherine’s career is so big now — they were never in an ordinary relationship because they spent so much time apart.

“I’m sure there’s no-one else involved — they are both heartbroken by what’s happened but they accept it is for the best.”