British model Donna Air and her boyfriend James Middleton have denied that they’ve broken up, following reports in the last few days that they had gone their separate ways.

In a new interview with the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, Newcastle-born Air, who shares her home with the brother of Pippa and Duchess of Cambridge Kate, describes Middleton as a “pretty awesome boyfriend”. The couple were surprised to read tabloid reports that their romance was on the rocks earlier this week, and both moved to correct that impression.

“Mark Twain once complained that reports of his death were exaggerated,” they said in a joint statement to The Mirror. “A few days ago we were equally amazed to read the obituaries of our relationship splashed across the national press.” “Happily, we can report that our relationship is not over. We are still very much a couple and have not parted ways. These stories are completely untrue and without merit.”

Donna AirDonna Air and James Middleton are still together, contrary to recent reports

Middleton, 28, and Air, 36, became romantically involved nearly three years ago after they met at No 5 Hertford Street, an exclusive, private members’ club in Mayfair, London. They live together in London with Air’s 12 year old daughter Freya, her child from her previous relationship with Damian Aspinall.

In the new interview, she paid a loving tribute to Middleton, saying: “James brings a lot of fun into the household. Everyone makes a huge fuss of him because he's a man. It's a standing joke how much the girls adore him.” In turn, she has apparently been welcomed with open arms into the Middleton family.

“I'm starting a new chapter, planning ahead and figuring out exactly what I want,” she continued. “I'm in a great place; I have amazing women in my life, a fantastic family, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, two incredible step-daughters and… a pretty awesome boyfriend.”

More: Are Donna Air and James Middleton in a relationship?