Sun sets on 'O.C.' off-screen romance

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The 20-something couple who play a couple of popular Southern California drama teens on Fox's "The O.C." have broken up off-screen.

The real-life romance between Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody has officially ended, People magazine said Wednesday.

"It was a typical romance and they just grew apart; they've been on and off for a while now," a source close to the pair told People.

"The O.C." was first aired in 2003 and caught on quickly. The show details the lives of affluent young adults ostensibly growing up in Orange County, Calif. However the show is filmed in Los Angeles.

"The O.C." was the first teen series to score any significant ratings since "Beverly Hills 90210."

Brody plays Seth Cohen, a rather awkward kid redeemably known for his quick quips and his hip culture references. Rachel plays the snotty rich kid who has been reformed, more or less, and is Brody's love interest.

The two have their usual ups and downs on the show.

The couple, who started dating right out of the blocks when the series premiered three years ago, have denied rumors for years that they were engaged, People said.