Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey Split

The relationship has been the focus of the media ever since it was documented on the hit MTV reality series Newlyweds. Simpson, 25, played Daisy Duke earlier this year's movie remake of 1980 TV series Dukes of Hazzard and has a multi-album singing career. Nick Lachey, 32 is an ex-member of US boy band 98 Degrees.

Their joint statement stated, "After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways... This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other." The couple also hosted the TV variety show, "Nick and Jessica's Family Christmas" last year. There have been persistent rumours of the couple's end, which they continually denied. This is their first official confirmation of these rumours.