Keating and wife to split

After 12 years together, the Boyzone singer and his model...

15:27 20 May 2010

Ronan Keating and his model wife Yvonne have separated after 12 years together, it has been announced.

In what is said to be an "amicable" split, the couple have vowed to work together to raise their three children.

A statement on Keating's official website read: "With great sadness Ronan and Yvonne Keating today announce their separation.

"The separation is amicable and they will continue to work together in order to provide the best for their children.

The news comes just days after it emerged that the Boyzone star had landed a spot as judge on the next series of The X Factor in Australia meaning several mnonths away from home at a time.

The band members were all hit hard following the sudden death of their former bandmate and close friend Stephen Gately in Majorca last year.

Keating has previously described wife Yvonne as his "rock" and they were considered to have one of the most solid relationships in the showbiz industry.

Keating, 33, and his Irish model wife have three children, Jack, Marie and Ali.

The couple married in 1998 in the Caribbean.