Lay off Pattinson and Stewart, says Breaking Dawn director

The director of 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' has asked fans to lay off his stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Bill Condon has said that fans should move on after it emerged that Stewart had cheated on real-life boyfriend Pattinson.

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“The fact is, these are actors playing parts, and maybe it's not such a bad thing that people be reminded of that,” he told Entertainment Weekly.

“Both of these actors gave heart and soul to the 'Twilight' movies, not only during shooting, but also by navigating so graciously the whole life-in-a-fishbowl aspect of the phenomenon.

“Above all they have always shown great respect for the fans who made these movies such a success. Now it's time that some of that respect be returned to them.”

Twilight fans, or 'twihards' as they are known, have reacted badly to the news of the pair's split following Stewart's infidelity with married director Rupert Sanders, who she worked with on 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.

It follows news that Stewart has reportedly dropped out of forthcoming film 'Cali', and has cancelled an appearance at the premiere of 'On The Road' in London next week.