Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend end five year relationship

The actress and her beau have gone their separate ways after five years together

Keira Knightley and her actor beau Rupert Friend have reportedly ended their relationship, following five years together.

The break-up has been confirmed by the 25-year-old actress's father, Will Knightley, who told The Sun: 'Yes, they have broken up.'

Speaking to the paper, he added, 'They were together for quite a long time and it is always hard breaking up. She's focused on her work.'

KEIRA & RUPERT: RELATIONSHIP IN PICS

The couple first met on the set of 2005' Pride and Prejudice, in which Keira starred as Elizabeth Bennet, and Rupert, Mr Wickham.

Rumours of a break up first started doing the rounds in Novemeber, after Rupert attended a London Coliseum production of The Nutcracker without Keira. They reportedly split shortly before Christmas.

Notoriously private, they never walked the red carpet together and rarely stepped out publicly as a couple, preferring to keep their relationship away from the cameras.

A source blamed the split on public scrutiny, telling The Sun: 'Rupert hates the idea of being followed and photographed. Keira partially had to accept it because of her rising profile. It affected the harmony in the relationship. The pressure took its toll and both decided they should go their separate ways.'

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY FASHION EVOLUTION

LOOK BACK AT KEIRA & RUPERT'S ROMANCE IN PHOTOS

CELEBRITY SPLITS 2011