Ben Flajnik's engagement to Courtney Robertson has been called off, according to In Touch Weekly.

The "Bachelor" star proposed to Robertson at the conclusion of the 16th season of the hit reality TV show.

However, after nine months of being engaged they have reportedly called off their plans to marry.

In Touch Weekly has reportedly received a joint statement from the couple saying, "After meeting over a year ago, we have decided to end our romantic relationship."

The statement added: "The ups and downs weighed heavily on us both and ultimately we started to grow apart because of the distance, time apart, and our need to focus on our respective careers."

Despite the sudden split the couple has insisted that they will remain friends and continue to support one another as they go on in their lives.

Follow us

"We continue to remain friends and will support each other in future endeavors."

The news is sure to disappoint fans of the reality TV show "The Bachelor." The show promotes itself as allowing an eligible bachelor the chance to get to know 25 single women, and to find his perfect match. However, the reality of the show is that even though the show ends in a proposal and a seemingly "happily ever after" ending, there is yet to be a successful marriage continuing from the show in the long run.