Paris Hilton dumps Benji Madden

Hotel heiress Paris split from the Good Charlotte rocker earlier this week because the pair are “just too different” and have been spending too much time apart.

A friend of Paris told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “He has helped her grow up, but they are just way too different.

“She has spent a lot of time away lately and they have grown apart. She is going to enjoy being single for a while.”

Another pal revealed to Usmagazine.com: “Even though they are still in love, they felt it would be better to just be friends. Benji was overprotective and controlling. He doesn't get along with any of her friends.

“Friends thought Paris had changed since being with Benji and she wants to be herself again. Benji really respected her. They will be friends forever."

A representative for 27-year-old Paris has confirmed the break-up, although an official statement has not yet been released.

Paris has recently been away from Benji, filming her new reality TV series in the UK - ‘Paris Hilton’s My New BBF’ [British Best Friend].

News of the split comes as a shock, as many were expecting an engagement announcement from the couple - who have dated for nine months.

Sources close to Paris were also quick to deny Paris’ ex-boyfriend Stavros Niarchos has anything to do with the split, after they were spotted together .

A friend added: “Nothing went on between Paris and Stavros in Miami. She was there for a girl’s weekend with her friends.”

Paris and Benji originally got together through Benji’s brother Joel and Paris’ best friend Nicole Richie, who have an 11-month-old daughter Harlow together.