Leann Rimes has announced she is getting a divorce.

The singer-and-actress - who is romancing her 'Northern Lights' co-star Eddie Cibrian - confirmed she has split from her husband-of-seven-years Dean Sheremet.

She said on her official website: "After much thoughtful mutual consideration, Dean and I have agreed to move forward with dissolving our marriage. This decision was amicable and we remain committed and caring friends with great admiration for one another. Thank you so much for all of your continued love and support - it is deeply appreciated."

LeAnn's friend Jeff Berger - founder of Dope Den Productions - insists the pair are determined to remain friends despite the split.

He said: "They are doing their best to handle it as mature adults.

"Dean's her best friend and that's the crux of the issue - when you love and care about somebody who's your best friend - how not to cause them pain. LeAnn and Dean are both great people and, unfortunately, going through a tough situation. But they're doing what needs to be done in as amicable a way as possible."

LeAnn - who married former dancer Dean in 2002 when she was 19 - is believed to have started an affair with married actor Eddie after they met on the set of TV movie 'Northern Lights' last autumn.

Eddie's wife Brandi Glanville filed for divorce last month, revealing she had split from her spouse because he had been unfaithful.

She said: "Eddie and LeAnn deserve each other."

Although both LeAnn and Eddie denied they were romantically involved, they were spotted enjoying several intimate dates.

The pair have now gone public with their relationship and went to Cabo San Lucas, in Mexico, last weekend, to celebrate LeAnn's 27th birthday.

Eddie surprised LeAnn with a diamond bracelet and a six-inch triple berry birthday cake from her favourite bakery.