Fiennes and Annis to split

The actor Ralph Fiennes and his partner Francesca Annis are to separate after 11 years, lawyers for the actress said tonight.

The split comes after reports that The English Patient star Fiennes, 43, had an affair with a young singer.

“Ms Annis confirms today that she and Ralph Fiennes are to separate,” said a statement from her solicitors.

The 61-year-old actress also announced she has begun legal proceedings against the Daily Mail for defamation and invasion of privacy over a story which claimed she had forgiven him over the alleged affair.