Lopez, Smirnoff break up

LOS ANGELES, June 5 (UPI) -- Karina Smirnoff's representative has confirmed the Ukrainian-born dancer has split up with her U.S. actor boyfriend Mario Lopez.

The couple began dating in 2006 when they were paired together on the dance competition TV show "Dancing with the Stars."

"Karina has parted ways with her two-year relationship with Mario Lopez," Smirnoff's representative told People.com. "The relationship wasn't heading in the right direction."

"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," Lopez said in a separate statement issued to People.com by his representative.