Arnie splits from wife

Former governer of California announces separation...

09:02 10 May 2011

Film star and former California governer Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver are separating after 25 years of marriage.

The pair released a statement announcing the split, which said:

"This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us.

"After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision.

"We consider this a private matter, and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment."

They said they were working together on the future of their relationship while living apart and they would continue to parent their four children together.

A statement issued by The Terminator star's spokesman said:

"This has been as time of great personal and professional transition for each of us."

The couple met at a charity tennis tournament in 1977 and married in 1986.

Schwarzenegger finished a seven-year run as California governor in January 2011 and said a month later that he was ready to make movies again.