Minogue and boyfriend Martinez announce separation

LONDON, Feb 3 (Reuters) Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has separated from her boyfriend, the French actor Olivier Martinez, after a four-year romance, the couple announced.

In a joint statement, they said the split was ''mutual and amicable'' and denounced press reports about their relationship.

''The media's false accusations of disloyalty have saddened them both. The two remain very close friends,'' said the statement, issued late yesterday.

Minogue, 38, a former television soap opera actress turned pop diva, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and returned to the stage last November after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy.

She told Elle magazine in November that Martinez, 41, had helped her through her illness.

Reuters KD GC1923