Francois Hollande confirms separation from his partner Valerie Trierweiler

Francois Hollande has confirmed his separation from his partner Valerie Trierweiler

He told the French news agency AFP that their "shared life" had ended.

Earlier, his office at the Elysee Palace told the BBC "false rumours" had been circulating in the French media, and no statement would be forthcoming.

Two weeks ago a magazine published photos which appeared to show Mr Hollande had been having an affair with an actress, Julie Gayet.

French president Francois Hollande gives a press conference to present his 2014 policy plans, on January 14, 2014 at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. This high-profile press conference was initially expected to culminate with a key announcement on reforms to spur economic growth and create jobs but it is yet mostly seen as his first public appearance since news of his alleged affair with a French actress became public.

Ms Trierweiler spent a week in hospital after the revelations.

Mr Hollande, who has never denied having an affair with Julie Gayet, has admitted to a "difficult moment" in his relationship with Ms Trierweiler.

At the time, he promised to clarify the situation before his official visit to Washington on 11 February.

Mr Hollande told AFP he was speaking in a personal capacity and not as the head of state.

"I am making it known that I have put an end to my shared life with Valerie Trierweiler," he said.

On Thursday Ms Trierweiler sacked her lawyer for saying she was seeking to end her relationship with Mr Hollande "with the greatest possible dignity".

Ms Trierweiler, who has continued to work as a journalist for the glossy magazine Paris-Match, is travelling to India on Sunday in support of the work of the French charity Action Against Hunger.

Since she left hospital, she has been staying at an official residence, La Lanterne, near Versailles. (BBC)

(Files Photo) French actress and president of the Queer Palm jury, Julie Gayet, arrives for the screening of Amour (Love) presented in competition at the 65th Cannes film festival on May 20, 2012 in Cannes.

(Files Photo) A picture taken on  Valerie Trierweiler, partner of French President  listening national anthems during a dinner with South African president on October 14, 2013 in Pretoria.