Alex Pettyfer and Marloes Horst
Alex Pettyfer and Marloes Horst started dating in April 2014 Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Rumours were circling a while back about trouble between Alex Pettyfer and girlfriend Marloes Horst and now the couple, who were dating for close to two years, have announced their break-up. But the Magic Mike actor took to Instagram to explain their reasons for splitting.

"I wouldn't normally do this as I like to keep my life private," he began on his 20 March post. "Despite what may be written, Marloes and I split up due to her being a crazy hot supermodel and her and my work just keeping us apart."

Explaining that there was no negative reason for the break-up, the actor continued: "It was a mutual decision. We are incredible close and love each other tremendously!!! We are best friends and who knows what the future holds."

He even added the hashtags #shewillalwaysbefamily" and "#factisgreaterthanfiction" to stress the love and respect he continued to have for Horst.

The model also clarified that there was no truth to the rumours that hinted that the two were having other problems. "Despite of what some papers may say, Alex and I split due to our busy schedules," the model, who recently featured in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, wrote alongside the same photo of the couple. "It's saddening to read these negative articles since we are very close and love each other dearly! So we took it into our own hands to say it was a mutual decision, we are best friends and will always remain each other's family."

The couple started dating in April 2014. The actor, who is preparing to release his latest film Elvis & Nixon alongside Kevin Spacey, was previously engaged to Elvis Presley's granddaughter, actress Riley Keough, in 2012.