UPDATE:  Karina Smirnoff is now denying People’s report about a supposed break-up.  Maybe they just haven’t done it yet.  Meanwhile, you can read about another DWTS split here.

It seems like someone is now free to pursue another Mario…

After nearly 1 1/2 years together, former Dancing with the Stars partners Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff have called it quits.  The two - who competed together during the fall of 2006 - eventually placed second that season behind Cheryl Burke and Emmitt Smith.

Although the two moved in together last year, the couple have been spending a great deal of time apart recently.  While Karina has been participating on DWTS‘ Season 6, Lopez has been starring in a Broadway revival of A Chorus Line.  He will also conveniently appear on the ABC show’s 100th episode next week.  (I’m sure it was quite awkward backstage during that pre-taped performance.)

Up until recently, Karina and her current Mario have had to fend off rumors about a possible romance.  (They said she already had a boyfriend.) What will their excuse be now?