Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin had couples therapy before separating.

The couple - who are currently holidaying in the Bahamas with children Apple, nine, and Moses, seven - announced yesterday (25.03.14) they were splitting, and friends say they brought in outside help to try and repair the cracks in their 11-year marriage.

A source said: ''They really tried to make the marriage work, but sometimes it's best to not be married. They know that about each other now.

''They have worked really hard for a year or more, going to therapy, trying to make it work - and she's been more honest than ever about how hard marriage is - but they just decided it was best to not be together anymore as a couple.''

Despite the news, the 'Iron Man' star was seen out publicly with the Coldplay frontman several times earlier this year and they even sang together at a recent charity event in aid of their children's Los Angeles school, performing 'Cruisin'', her song with Huey Lewis in 2000 movie 'Duets'.

A source told Us Weekly magazine: ''She called the event chair to say she'd like to sing with Chris.''

Insiders insist the pair have always put their children first and present a united front for the sake of their family.

One source told People magazine: ''They made an effort to be there for their kids at their activities, and though they had killer schedules they were always around together in L.A. and a united front at parties in their Brentwood neighborhood.

''They weren't a traditional couple per se, but they were a couple and tried to do anything any family would do, from carpool to a lemonade stand.

''They are still a family. They will always be a family. Nothing will ever change that.''