R-Patz: K-Stew and I are a couple

Robert Pattinson has confessed he and Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart are dating.

The 23-year-old British actor, who plays the 19-year-old actress's vampire lover Edward Cullen in the movies, has finally broken the couple's silence about their relationship off-screen.

R-Patz told The Sun after the Baftas: "It is extremely difficult but we are together, yes - we can't arrive at the same time because of the fans, it goes crazy."

He added: "This was supposed to be a public appearance as a couple but it's impossible. We are here together and it's a public event but it's not easy.

"We have to do all this stuff to avoid attention."

Robert and Kristen sat apart from each other at the Bafta ceremony and the after-party at Grosvenor House Hotel, but were photographed leaving in a car together at around midnight.

Kristen refused to answer questions about Robert on the red carpet and again at the Elle Style Awards, where she was named Woman Of The Year on Monday night.