Kate Winslet tells of sadness at marriage split

Kate Winslet has spoken of her sadness at the break-up of her marriage.

The Titanic star announced her separation from her film director husband Jim Threapleton last night.

She told reporters today it is an absolutely amicable separation and a mutual decision.

"Jim and I have great respect for each other. There is no malice at all. It is extremely sad but we are all fine," she said.

The actress, who will be 26 next month, emerged from the north London flat where she is staying to talk to journalists. She was wearing a green T-shirt, blue denim jacket, black trousers and flip-flops, but there was no ring on her wedding finger.

The couple, who have an 11-month daughter Mia, remained in touch, she said. They married in November 1998.

Kate told reporters: "Jim and I are both communicating constantly. Mia remains the happy child that she always has been. That is all and I would be grateful now if you would respect our privacy."

The actress, who was wearing barely any make-up, then disappeared back inside the flat where she is staying with Mia. A security guard arrived at the house around half-an-hour earlier and said Miss Winslet would be leaving at some point today.

There was no sign of 26-year-old Threapleton, who met the Oscar-nominated star on the set of her film Hideous Kinky on which he was an assistant director.

A next-door neighbour, her young daughter and an employee of the actress were also inside the flat.