BRAD PITT - ANISTON AND PITT SPLIT

BRAD PITT and JENNIFER ANISTON have ended months of speculation about the future of their marriage by announcing their decision to officially separate.

The Hollywood stars, who have been married for four-and-a-half years, spent much of the recent months fighting off rumours that their union was on the rocks, but now they've confirmed that they're going their separate ways.

In a joint statement, they tell PEOPLE magazine, "We would like to announce that after seven years together we have decided to formally separate.

"For those who follow these sorts of things, we would like to explain that our separation is not the result of any of the speculation reported by the tabloid media. This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration.

"We happily remain committed and caring friends with great love and admiration for one another. We ask in advance for your kindness and sensitivity in the coming months."

Pitt, 41, met Aniston, 35, when they were set up on a dinner date in 1998. The pair eventually wed in a lavish ceremony in Malibu, California, on 29 July, 2000.

Recently, Aniston - who has been busy with movie projects - was photographed not wearing her diamond-studded wedding ring, andtabloid reports spoke of marital trouble. Yet the couple spent New Year's weekend vacationing on the Caribbean island of Anguilla with Aniston's former FRIENDS co-star COURTENEY COX and DAVID ARQUETTE.