Dawn French and Lenny Henry call time on 25 year marriage

by Natalie Evans. Published Wed 07 Apr 2010 11:23

Dawn French and Lenny Henry (Dave Hogan/Getty Images Europe)

Comedy couple Dawn French and Lenny Henry have decided to split after 25 years of marriage.

But the pair, who married in 1984, have vowed to remain close friends for the sake of their 17-year-old adopted daughter Billie.

It is believed stars' made their decision six months ago but continued to live together "in constant discussion".

A statement released by the couple's representative Neil Reading said: ""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."

The celebrity relationship hit the rocks in 1999 when Henry confessed that he had spent the night in a hotel room with blonde receptionist Merri Cheyne.

Despite the marriage crisis, Henry and French later decided to stay together.

A source close to the family added: "Lenny's fling, albeit many years ago, didn't exactly help things.

"For a while they've lived very separate lives. It's sad, but no different to what a lot of couples go through."