Comic couple to separate

Dawn French and Lenny Henry are to split after 25 years...

17:51 06 April 2010

Celebrity couple Dawn French and Lenny Henry are to split, it has been announced.

A statement by the pair's spokesman revealed the decision had been made six months ago, but they had continued to live in "constant discussion ".

However, the comic duo announced they are to separate after 25 years together.

The statement read: "Lenny Henry and Dawn French are sad to announce they have decided to separate after 25 years of marriage.

"They made the decision last October and since then have been living together in constant, open and honest discussion. The separation is entirely amicable and they fully intend to maintain their close friendship.

"Their priority is to commit to the future joint parenting of their daughter. They ask that the media respects the privacy of their family. No further comment will be made."

The couple married in 1984 ater meeting on the alternative comedy circuit.

They have an adopted daughter together, Billie, who was born in 1991.