Newlyweds divorce

Showbiz

13:30 24 November 2005

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey are getting divorced.

The stars - who shot to fame in MTV reality show 'Newlyweds' - have announced they are to split after three years of marriage.

The couple have been at the centre of endless break-up rumours over the past year.

They said in a statement: "After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways.

"This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other. We hope that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Jessica and Nick tied the knot in October 2002 and went on to star in their own reality TV show which centred on their trials and tribulations as young newlyweds.

But rumours of their impending split started soon after Jessica started filming 'The Dukes of Hazzard' last year.

Earlier this month, Jessica's father and manager Joe Simpson slammed break-up claims following reports Jessica was to spend their third wedding anniversary alone promoting a children's charity in Nairobi, Africa.

He said: "They're still together.

"They just got back from Italy, where they were taking their anniversary vacation."

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