Katy Perry and John Mayer split

KATY Perry has split from John Mayer – for the third time.

The Fireworks star – who has been dating the singer-songwriter since last August – has pulled the plug on their relationship, according to a US magazine.

But friends say the latest split is not likely to be for good.

A source said: “It’s sad. It’s not over until it’s over. You have to see how things play out.”

Another insider added: “She’s leaving the window open. They have both been so focused on work.”

The couple split after two weeks of dating last summer and then again in October, when the 28-year-old beauty reportedly told him to lose her number unless he was prepared to commit.

By November, they were back together and attending high profile events, including Barack Obama’s second inauguration last November and last month’s Grammy awards.

John was also introduced to Katy’s parents, sharing several dinner dates with them in Los Angeles and in her native Santa Barbara, where they spent Christmas together.

And on Valentine’s Day, John sparked wedding rumours by buying her a heart-shaped ruby ring.

The 35-year-old singer – who has previously dated Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston and Taylor Swift – recently said that their romance felt ‘human’.

He said: “I don’t feel like I’m in a celebrity relationship. For the first time in my life I don’t feel like I’m in a celebrity relationship. I know it is high profile. It’s hard to explain ... For me it feels like something that’s very human.”

And he admitted he had thought about marriage, saying: : “Of course. I mean, I’m still the kid from Connecticut. That’s what you do.”

Meanwhile Russell Brand – who divorced Katy last July – admitted their 14-month marriage was ‘shaky’ from the start. He said: “That marriage was shaky from the get-go, before I’d even got off the elephant.