MADONNA - MADONNA AND CLAUDIA TO BLAME FOR HUSBANDS' RIFT?

The frosty relationship between MADONNA and CLAUDIA SCHIFFER is being blamed for the troubles between their respective husbands, former best friends GUY RITCHIE and MATTHEW VAUGHAN.

The filmmakers collaborated on 1998 hit movie LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS and went on to further success in SNATCH. However, they are now working on separate film ventures - LAYER CAKE and REVOLVER - destined to come out at the same time.

And, according to British gossip magazine CLOSER, the dissolution of their friendship is due in part to their wives.

A source says, "The two woman aren't the closest of friends, which is awkward."

The cracks began to appear between the two British men when they began filming 2002 flop SWEPT AWAY. Vaughn was said to want PENELOPE CRUZ for the lead role, whereas Guy insisted the part went to the MATERIAL GIRL.

An insider confesses, "The force of Madonna and Guy together is difficult to deal with.

"Mathew was not present for as much of the filming as he was on the other movies they have made together."

However, a spokesperson for Vaughn insists they are still partners in their production company SKA FILMS, and at the moment they are "doing their own thing".