Katherine Jenkins cries on stage

Katherine Jenkins broke down on stage over her split with Gethin Jones as she kicked off her tour in Oxford, Middle England, at the weekend.

Katherine Jenkins cried on stage at the weekend.

The singer announced in December she and TV presenter Gethin Jones were separating and the pain of the split proved too much for her to cope with as she kicked off the first night of her UK tour in Oxford, Middle England, on Saturday night (07.01.12).

As she performed her song 'Your Silhouette', which includes the lines "lying in your empty bed" and "clinging to a memory of you", Katherine turned away from the audience and was comforted by her musical director Anthony Inglis.

Katherine received two standing ovations for her performance and told the crowd at the New Theatre she had not been sure if she should perform at all.

The 31-year-old star was not wearing the £10,000 engagement ring given to her by Gethin for the performance.

The couple both announced their split on twitter on December 30. Katherine told fans: "Sorry for being quiet of late, its just that I have some very sad news. Geth & I have decided to go our separate ways. We are both beyond broken hearted. All your hugs & support will be much appreciated xxx (sic)" 

Jones told his followers: "Hi everybody. I'm deeply sad to tell you that Kath and I have ended our relationship as a couple. We are both heart broken... Gx."