Influencer couple ends 12-year relationship, promise to stay ‘best friends’

A pair of influencers have decided to part ways after being together for nearly 12 years, yet they are determined to stay "best of friends".

The duo shared their separation in a heartfelt announcement, assuring fans they will remain close despite choosing different paths.

Social media personality Katherine Smith and her partner Benjamin Finlan are no longer together.

Despite the end of their relationship, they assure that their friendship and mutual support will continue.

They shared the news of their split on “TikTok” through a post titled “Relationship Update.”

Kath expressed: “After 11 and a half years of affection, endurance, survival, and growth together, Ben and I jointly decided earlier this year to conclude our romantic relationship

“We understand this news might surprise many. For us, it was not unexpected. It’s something we silently mourned for quite some time.

“There’s no drama. No conflict. Simply two individuals who have shared more than a decade’s worth of experiences, quietly recognising that love can transform.

“How do you bid farewell to the most steadfast man you’ve ever known? How do you move on from the girl who changed your life? You simply don’t.

“You carry it with you: the history, the strength, the versions of yourselves that only existed because the other was present.

“[We] are eternally connected through hospital visits and hope, through youth and mutual understanding, through battles fought and won. That connection doesn’t fade just because the romance does.

“This isn’t a breakup. It’s a transformation of our love story. What started with a shy exchange at The Keg Steakhouse matured into profound respect, gratitude, and a unique understanding that most only dream of.

“We support one another, remain invested in each other's joy, health, and prosperity. Simply in a different capacity. Now, we can proudly call ourselves best friends – and we always will.

“All our love, your new favorite best buddy duo, Ben & Kath.”

Kath champions resilience, self-care, and comfort during tough times.

The 33-year-old boasts 317.8K followers on TikTok. Her caregiving path began after her partner, Ben, endured a severe brain injury in 2018.

This followed a 2018 assault in London, resulting in a traumatic brain injury – a “disruption in brain functionality due to a strike, jolt, or penetrating head injury.”

He later faced a syndrome of the trephined, followed by a brain infection.