Heidi Klum and Seal split

Couple confirm break-up after seven years together...

10:28 23 January 2012

Heidi Klum and Seal are to divorce, it has been confirmed.

In a statement, the pair, who have been married for seven years, said:

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate.

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart."

The supermodel and singer have also called for privacy, saying:

"This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition.

"We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our childrenÂ’s sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

The German supermodel will file papers at the LA County Superior Court next week, claims TMZ.

The couple have four children together, sons Henry, six, and Johan, five, and two-year-old daughter Lou, as well as Leni, Klum's seven-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, who was adopted by the Seal in 2009. 

The pair, who married in Mexico in 2005, are well-known for throwing outlandish anniversary parties when they renew their wedding vows each year.