Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff

Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff

'Strictly Come Dancing' couple Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff have split.

The former boxer and the dancing professional have called time on their relationship after four years together, saying they spent too much time apart due to their respective work commitments.

Joe said: "Kristina and I have had several terrific years together.

"She is a wonderful woman but we have mutually and amicably decided to go our separate ways.

"Various demands on time have meant we have spent less and less time together.

"That will become more so in the coming months, so it seems wise to end our relationship now as friends."

Siberia-born Kristina, 35 - who is preparing for another series of BBC's 'Strictly' - met Joe when he was partnered with her for the 2009 edition of the show, in which he was voted out on the fifth week. He split up with his girlfriend of five years, Jo-Emma Larvin, to be with Kristina shortly afterward.

Kristina added: "Joe is a good man who I will always care about, but it makes sense to part company now.

"It is nothing but amicable, and we will have nothing but good memories and good thoughts about each other."

Joe, 41, who was recently voted off 'Celebrity Masterchef', is now devoting his time to teenage sons Joe, 19, and Connor, 16, whom he has with ex-wife Mandy Davies.