Pitt and Aniston split

Hollywood dream couple Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston have separated after months of rumours about their struggling marriage, it was reported today.

The pair said they had decided to go their separate ways but remain “committed and caring friends”.

The announcement came after much recent speculation that they were to split.

In a joint statement released to People Magazine, Pitt and Aniston said: “We would like to announce that after seven years together we have decided to formally separate.

“For those who follow these sorts of things, we would like to explain that our separation is not the result of any of the speculation reported by the tabloid media.

“This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration.

“We happily remain committed and caring friends with great love and admiration for one another. We ask in advance for your kindness and sensitivity in the coming months.”

Aniston’s rep Stephen Huvane and Pitt’s rep Cindy Guagenti declined to comment further.

Ocean’s Twelve star Pitt, 41, and Friends actress Aniston, 35, met in 1998 when they were set up on a dinner date.

There followed one of Hollywood’s hottest romances which the couple kept secret for months.

Eventually in July 2000 they wed at a lavish ceremony in Malibu.

The wedding featured 200 guests, 50,000 flowers, four bands and fireworks.

The couple were often said to be trying for a baby, but Aniston said she was waiting for her hit series Friends to come to an end first.

“Absolutely it will happen but probably not for a while,” she told People Magazine in 2002.

“Probably Friends will end, close that chapter, and see where we go,” she added.

In recent weeks, Aniston has been photographed without her diamond wedding ring, sparking fevered speculation that all was not well in the Pitt household.

However, it appeared that the couple were back together at the New Year, which they spent on holiday on the Caribbean island of Anguilla with Aniston’s former Friends co-star Courteney Cox and David Arquette.