NICOLE SCHERZINGER & LEWIS HAMILTON SPLIT

Nicole Scherzinger has parted ways with her racing car driver boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, so the pair can focus on their careers.

Rumours of an imminent split have been rife since September (09) amid reports 25 year old Lewis Hamilton wasn't ready to wed his 31 year old lover.

However, the former Formula 1 world champ was quick to dismiss the reports at the time, branding the claims "bulls**t".

But after 20 months, the couple has decided to break up.

A statement from their representative says, "They have decided to go their separate ways. They want to focus fully on their careers and will remain close friends."