Hollywood actress Denise Richards and Bon Jovi’s lead guitarist, Richie Sambora, reportedly ended their one-year romance amicably, a rep for the actress confirmed the reports Tuesday.

The two, who started dating in April last year, managed to keep the news about their split secret until, well, now.

"They split a few months ago," Richards' rep, Jill Fritzo, told The ShowBuzz on Tuesday.

"They were trying to keep it as quiet as possible so they don't have to live in the media spotlight," Fritzo added, "They have been extremely supportive of each other."

"Denise ended things but wanted to be there for him as a friend," a source tells People.

Sambora was previously married to Heather Locklear, who used to be a good friend of Richards’. When Sambora and Richards started dating, their relationship caused a lot of controversy given her friendship with Locklear. However, she denied dating him before his split from Locklear.

She says, "It was really one-sided. I was shocked at how judgmental people are. Nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors, except for the people involved. We need to be grown-ups.

"I didn't have an affair with Richie during his marriage, nor did he during mine. I am a loyal girlfriend and a good friend. I hadn't spoken to Heather in quite a few months when Richie and I got together. I wasn't her best friend who said, 'By the way, I'm sleeping with your husband.'

"Quite frankly we couldn't help it. The attraction was there and we have such a strong connection."

Despite their split, Richards attended the funeral of Sambora's father Adam, who died on 20 April following a long battle with lung cancer. Sambora's divorce from Locklear was finalised last month.