After nearly eight years of marriage, Madonna and Guy Ritchie are to split. Their PR representatives have confirmed that the they expect to agree a settlement out of court. The news comes following several months of rumour surrounded the couples marriage include an announcement back in July that claimed the marriage did not need saving.

The couple married in at Skibo Castle in December 2000 and have two sons, seven year old Rocco and David Banda, whos adoption from Malawi was approved back in May of this year. The singer also has a 12 year old daughter, Lourdes from a previous relationship.