PETE TONG - PETE TONG AND WIFE SPLIT

Superstar British DJ PETE TONG has split from his wife of 13 years, DEBORAH.

Tong, who has three young children with his spouse, will not move back into the family home in Wimbledon, South London, England, when he returns from New York in two weeks time. The dance-music pioneer's constant travelling away from home is thought to have been one of the strains on the union.

A friend of the couple tells British tabloid THE SUN, "It's a real shame because Pete and Deborah had a very very strong marriage.

"He's rarely back in the country and is always jetting around the world, especially in the summer."

Tong's agent confirms, "Pete and his wife are taking some time apart. He has moved out of their family home temporarily while they sort out their differences. There are no other parties involved."

Tong is estimated to be worth around $30 million (GBP20 million) mostly through the sale of his record label FFRR last year (02).