French president Francois Hollande has confirmed that he has separated from First Lady Valerie Trierweiler.
Just hours after his office confirmed that media rumours of an imminent split were false, the leader reportedly phoned the French news agency AFP to reveal that their "partnership" had ended.
Francois Hollande has been under pressure to reveal more detail about his relationship status, after allegations of an affair with French actress Julie Gayet surfaced in the French edition of Closer magazine.
The Journal du Dimanche newspaper previously reported that Hollande was keen to resolve the issue of the couple's future before his partner Valerie Trierweiler went on a charity trip to India.
However, a spokesman for the Elysee told the BBC: "There will be no announcement today (Saturday). They are false rumours circulating in the French media."
Later the same day Hollande told AFP: "I wish to make it known that I have ended my partnership with Valerie Trierweiler."