Paddy and Christine McGuinness announce split in Instagram post

The couple’s love life has been shrouded in controversy since cheating allegations against Paddy surfaced.

Paddy, originally from Bolton and a Top Gear host, and model Christine have reportedly been living separate lives for months before the announcement but under the same roof.

The joint statement on Instagram said: “We hadn't planned on sharing this publicly until we were ready but after the lack of privacy surrounding our personal life, we feel left with no other option but to clarify.

“A while ago we took the difficult decision to separate but our main focus as always is to continue loving and supporting our children.

"This was not an easy decision to make but we're moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children.

"We'll always be a loving family, we still have a great relationship and still live happily in our family home together."

Christine recently appeared on Lorraine to talk about marriage issues but made no statement at the time about the status of her own.

The joint statement added: "We hope this now draws a line under anymore unwanted and unnecessary intrusion into our private life.

"Although we work in the public eye we ask kindly if you could respect our wishes for privacy on this matter. We'll be making no further comment."

The breakup comes after the couple released a podcast, Table Talk, delving into the lives of families with children who have disabilities.

Rumours first rocked the couple when Christine took part in the ITV reality show, The Games and was not support from Paddy as well as going on girls trip without her wedding ring.

But the couple have never addressed these rumours, instead opting to put on a united front with family pictures, including a recent one by Paddy showing Christine in a snap while on a family holiday.

The couple share three children together, Penelope, Felicity and Leo and are still living together despite the split.