TV Watch

Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff Split

06/05/2008 at 12:00 AM EDT

Karina Smirnoff and Mario Lopez have called it quits, Smirnoff's rep confirms to PEOPLE.

"Karina has parted ways with her two year relationship with Mario Lopez," says Smirnoff's spokesperson. "The relationship wasn't heading in the right direction."

Lopez issued the following statement through his rep: "Karina and I have the utmost respect for each other. She is a phenomenal and talented woman. I support her always and feel blessed to have her in my life."



The on-again, off-again couple--spotted frolicking in Miami last month-- began dating in 2006 when they were partnered together on the third season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

Though they remained mum about their relationship, they were spotted vacationing in Mexico together shortly after coming in second on the hit reality dance competition. The following May, Lopez, 34, and the Ukrainian-born Smirnoff moved in together.

In April, Smirnoff shot down reports of a breakup, telling PEOPLE, "We are going strong." --Paul Chi, with reporting by KC Baker and Antoinette Coulton