MADONNA and GUY RITCHIE confirmed this afternoon they will divorce.

The singer's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said the couple had agreed to separate.

In a short statement – co-signed by Guy’s representative – she added the couple had not agreed a settlement.

It read: “Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after seven-and-a-half years of marriage, their representatives confirmed today.

“They have both requested that the media maintain respect for their family at this difficult time.”

Madonna and Guy Ritchie's relationship ends after seven years of marriage