Derek Hough & Shannon Elizabeth Split – On Twitter

First Published: August 8, 2009 2:45 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Cuties Shannon Elizabeth and choreographer Derek Hough pose for the cameras at Maxim’s 10th Annual Hot 100 CelebrationDerek Hough and Shannon Elizabeth have taken to their Twitter pages to share the news of their break-up.

The couple, who competed together on the sixth season of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2008 and had dated since, both posted Twitter statements on Friday announcing the split.

“Hi everyone, we wanted you all to know directly from us, that Shannon & I have decided to end our relationship as boyfriend & girlfriend… however, we love and care about eachother very much and will reamin friends and in eachothers lives,” Derek, 24, wrote.

Shannon, 35, posted a nearly identical message on her own Twitter page, later Tweeting, “Thank you everyone for all your sweet words & encouragement – it really means a lot to me! Xoxo.”

The former “Dancing” duo was the seventh to be eliminated on Season 6. Derek remains a pro on the show, as well as pursuing a musical career with fellow pro Mark Ballas as the Ballas Hough Band.

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