Lenny Henry and Dawn French split after 25 years

In a statement, the comedians' PR representative Neil Reading said the couple made the decision six months ago but had continued to live together in "constant discussion".

The couple's split was "entirely amicable", he added.

The statement read: "Lenny Henry and Dawn French are sad to announce they have decided to separate after 25 years of marriage.

"They made the decision last October and since then have been living together in constant, open and honest discussion.

"The separation is entirely amicable and they fully intend to maintain their close friendship.

"Their priority is to commit to the future joint parenting of their daughter."

Henry, 51, and French, 52, married in 1984 and have an 18-year-old daughter called Billie.

As well as being veterans of stand-up comedy and sketch shows, both have appeared on stage and screen as actors.

After making his name as a funny man, with his showbiz break coming after he won the TV talent show New Faces in 1975, Henry – originally from Dudley in the West Midlands – turned his hand to Shakespeare, winning critical acclaim and an award for best newcomer for his portrayal of Othello.

The Northern Broadsides production, directed by Barrie Rutter, opened in Leeds last year and then transferred for a successful run to London.

French forged out her career alongside comedienne Jennifer Saunders, in ITV sitcom Girls on Top, with Ruby Wax, The Comic Strip and, later, as half of comedy duo French and Saunders. The actress has had a host of

television roles, including the lead in hit TV series The Vicar of Dibley, which ran from 1994 to 2007.