LATEST: Reports are rife in Hollywood that JULIA ROBERTS and BENJAMIN BRATT split up as a result of her 'deepening friendship' with hunky actor GEORGE CLOONEY.

Roberts and Bratt have confirmed their break-up, but have so far insisted that there was no third party involved.

Roberts and Clooney, who this year (01) filmed OCEAN'S 11 (2001) together, have been linked in the past. In April (01), the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL reported how the pair 'put on a steamy show on the dancefloor' during the Ocean's Eleven wrap party.

Until recently, Clooney was dating British model and TV presenter LISA SNOWDON, but their relationship was reported to have ended several weeks ago, after she turned down his proposals of marriage.

Roberts has something of a history for getting involved with her
co-stars. In the past, she has dated LIAM NEESON, whom she met on the set of SATISFACTION (1988), DYLAN McDERMOTT from STEEL MAGNOLIAS (1989) and KIEFER SUTHERLAND from FLATLINERS (1990). (RGS/WNWPNE/PDD)

Source: WENN