Hollande announces separation from first Lady

Then candidate Francois Hollande, (L) Socialist Party candidate for the 2012 French presidential election, and his companion Valerie Trierweiler (R), attend a rally meeting in Saint Joseph on the Indian Ocean island of La Reunion in this picture taken April 1, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - French President Francois Hollande confirmed on Saturday reports on a breakup with his companion Valerie Trierweiler after a magazine report unveiled his secret liaison with an actress.

Speaking to the AFP, Hollande said: "I wish to make it known that I have ended my common life with Valerie Trierweiler."

The breakup came after a local celebrity magazine Closer reported on the president's secrete love affair with a French actress Julie Gayet.

The 48-old-year journalist has been hospitalized as she suffered from "an extreme nervous exhaustion," a week after the publication of a 7-page photo spread, titled "the President's secret love."

Trierweiler has been Hollande's partner since 2006. They were not married but she assumed the role of First Lady at official ceremonies and state visits.

As questions have been raised on his presumed affair with Gayet, the Socialist head of state has neither confirmed nor denied the reports, urging a respect of his private life.