Another day, another Hollywood break-up - Heidi Klum and husband Seal have confirmed they are to separate after seven years of marriage.

A statement from the pair reads: "While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate.

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition.

"We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

The announcement comes after weeks of speculation which suggested they were heading for the divorce courts.

The German supermodel married the British singer in 2005 and they have three children together - daughter Lou and sons Henry and Johan. The Kiss From a Rose hitmaker also adopted Klum's eldest daughter Leni from a previous relationship.