Jennifer Lopez opens up on Marc Anthony split

The starlet revealed she still believes in love and struck a pose for a sizzling Vanity Fair shoot

Jennifer Lopez has opened up on her shock split from Marc Anthony for the first time in an interview with Vanity Fair, insisting it was the 'hardest decision' she has ever had to face, but that she still has faith in love.

The newly-single starlet also struck a sizzling pose for the September cover of the glossy magazine and posed in a series of daring ensembles, including a fur coat, towering heels - and not much else.

JENNIFER LOPEZ & MARC ANTHONY: RELATIONSHIP IN PICS

Speaking of her decision to end her third marriage, Jen told the magazine: ‘This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to face. 'I really wanted this family to work. That was my biggest dream, and I worked hard at it. Sometimes it doesn’t work - and that’s sad.'

But despite the break down of the six-year union, the showbiz diva still has faith in love.

'I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love. It’s still my biggest dream.'

'Marriage is tough. It’s not going to be perfect... it’s challenging,' she added, explaining Marc would 'always hold a special place in my heart as the father of my children.'

The couple announced their break-up in a joint statement last month, revealing they had ‘come to an amicable conclusion on all matters.’

Confirming the split in a short message on their website, the pair wrote: 'We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision.

'We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.'

JENNIFER LOPEZ & MARC ANTHONY: RELATIONSHIP IN PICS

CELEBRITY SPLITS 2011