Bingle and Clarke's engagement ends

GLAMOUR couple Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle have officially ended their engagement, ending days of speculation about their anticipated break-up.

GLAMOUR couple Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle have officially ended their engagement, ending days of speculation about their anticipated break-up.

International Quarterback, the public relations firm representing the star cricketer, broke the official news in a brief statement to the media around 10pm (AEDT) tonight.

"Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle have decided to end their engagement,'' the statement read.

"They ask the media to respect their privacy during this difficult time. No further comment will be made.''

The Sydney media hounded the pair in the days leading up to the announcement after scandal forced Clarke to abandon the New Zealand one-day cricket tour and return to Sydney.

It's understood the move came after Bingle, 22, gave an exclusive interview with Women's Day magazine into the nude picture scandal that broke over 10 days ago.

She claims AFL footballer Brendan Fevola circulated a nude photo of her taken in a shower during an affair between the pair in 2006 and is seeking to sue him in court.

On Thursday, it was reported Clarke was opposed to Bingle granting the interview, saying it would resurrect old news and intrude into the couple's private life.

It has been reported Bingle was paid as much as $200,000 for the interview and photo shoot but her manager Max Markson and the magazine have denied this.

Markson said Bingle had decided to give an "undisclosed amount'' of the money she was paid for the interview to charity.