LOS ANGELES — Although tabloids reported a breakup weeks ago, this week model Rachel Hunter confirmed that her nine-month relationship with British pop star Robbie Williams is over. The model added that the two remain the best of friends, according to the London Sun newspaper.

The former wife of rock star Rod Stewart said there was no one else involved in the split, despite rumors that she has begun a new romance with Puddle of Mudd front man Wes Scantlin.

In an interview with Hello! magazine, Hunter admitted: "It's true — we have broken up. We are, and always will remain the greatest of friends. I absolutely adore him. He is a very special guy to me — there is no one else involved."

A spokeswoman for Hunter added: "It became increasingly difficult to carry on the relationship when they were both so busy and sometimes in different countries."

Hunter was snapped by photographers in a close moment with Scantlin last week. She insisted the two are "just friends."

Williams recently signed a $120 million record contract, although the first single, "Feel," from his new album, "Escapology," flopped on the British charts. Hunter is set to star in a new reality TV series in the United States, and is seen on the pages of the new Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

Hunter began dating the notorious womanizer Williams after the pair met in Los Angeles last May, where Williams is now based.