Liam Fox and Nicole Barber-Lane have confirmed their marriage has come to an end.

Liam Fox and Nicole Barber-Lane
Liam Fox and Nicole Barber-Lane

The 'Emmerdale' actor and 'Hollyoaks' actress have announced they've called time on their relationship after 16 years of marriage but insist they will remain close for their children.

They released a joint statement saying: "It is with much sadness that we confirm the end of our marriage, though our family unit remains strong. We'll always love and respect each other and are united by our children and family remaining at the centre of our lives."

The former couple - who have 14-year-old son Ben together while Nicole has a daughter named Gemma from a previous relationship - first met in 1997 when they were both trainee teachers at Tameside college in Manchester.

However, they have now decided to part ways, with sources close to them claiming they will continue to live in the same home.

The source told the Sunday People newspaper: "They will continue to live together for the foreseeable future as they enjoy the precious last few years of their children being in the family home."

A source added to Digital Spy: "Liam and Nicole are divorcing as their relationship as man and wife has come to an end, but they genuinely remain good friends.

"They continue to socialise with each other and enjoy time together as a family with their children, also working on some projects together."

Liam has played Dan Spencer in 'Emmerdale' since 2011 while Nicole has starred as Myra McQueen in 'Hollyoaks' for seven years.