Madonna and Ritchie's Christmas plans in turmoil

Madonna and her ex-husband Guy Ritchie's plans to spend Christmas together for the sake of their children are in turmoil, after the director reportedly refused to let the singer stay at his English country estate.

The couple have been wrangling over custody of son Rocco, eight, adopted David, three, and Madonna's daughter Lourdes, 12, since their divorce was agreed last month.

They had decided to suspend their feud during the festive period and planned to spend the holidays together at $15m (€10m) Ashcombe House in Wiltshire, England.

But Ritchie has allegedly reneged on their deal, because having the 'Holiday' hitmaker around would stir up too many memories.

A source told The Sun: “Guy is desperate to see the children on Christmas Day and was okay with them all spending the day at Ashcombe. He was even willing to have Madonna there and try to be civilised for the sake of the children.

“But having her stay over was just too much. He couldn't bear the thought of her padding round the kitchen next morning like old times - there are too many sad memories.”

The newspaper claims the film director had offered to go to New York for the day instead - but the singer is refusing to change her plans.

The source adds, "Guy’s said he’ll do anything she wants - fly to America if needs be - to spend the day with the kids, just as long as it doesn't involve him and Madonna spending the night under the same roof.

“But the plan was for the children to come to England and that’s what Madonna still wants. It’s a mess.”