Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has separated from her boyfriend, the French singer and actor Olivier Martinez, the couple said in a statement. "Olivier Martinez and Kylie Minogue have officially confirmed that they are no longer a couple," the pair said in a joint statement published by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency.

"They have made it clear that the decision to go their separate ways was mutual and amicable.

"The media's false accusations of disloyalty have saddened them both. The two remain very close friends."

Britain's News of the World tabloid claimed last Sunday that the couple's four-year relationship was on the rocks and alleged Martinez, 41, had been unfaithful.

Minogue, 38, was forced to cancel two upcoming concerts on the British leg of her "Showgirl Homecoming" tour last month due to a respiratory tract infection.

The singer, who is back on tour following treatment for breast cancer discovered in mid-2005, also had to pull out halfway through a performance in the north-west English city of Manchester due to the flu.

Minogue spoke in glowing terms of Martinez's support for her after her diagnosis with cancer in May 2005 and how he helped her through the darkest days of her treatment.

"Olli was there all the time, helping with the practical stuff and being protective," she told British Elle magazine last November.

"I don't like to say too much in public about Olivier as he's a very private person, but I will say that he was incredible.

"He didn't hesitate in cancelling work and putting projects on hold so he could be with me. He's the most honourable man I have ever met."

Photographs taken by Martinez showing Minogue on the road to recovery after chemotherapy were published on her website.

"Kylie -- The Exhibition" is due to open at London's Victoria and Albert Museum on February 8 featuring costumes and memorabilia collected throughout her career.