Matthew with Penelope CruzPenelope Cruz and Matthew McConaugheyIt's sad, but true.

Rumours of the demise of the Penelope Cruz/ Matthew McConaughey love-in were not exaggerated.

The couple have confirmed they have split up, just over a year since they met on the set of 2005's action adventure film, Sahara.

The explanation is textbook Hollywood - the pressures of being super-busy, globe-trotting superstars was just too much for them.

A statement said: "[They] have decided to take time off as a couple. 

"Due to busy work schedules and so much time apart, they mutually decided four weeks ago that separating was the best thing to do at this time." 

This summer, Pen is filming bull-fighting film Manolete with Adrien Brody in Spain.

Matt, named sexiest man alive by People magazine, is working in West Virginia on We Are...Marshall.

Pen, as we know, was welded to Tom Cruise's side for some time, pre-Katie.

Matt's previous loves include Sandra Bullock aand Renee Zellweger.