Tamzin Outhwaite and Tom Ellis

Tamzin Outhwaite and Tom Ellis

Tamzin Outhwaite has split from her husband Tom Ellis.

The 42-year-old actress and the 'Miranda' star - who have daughters Florence, four, and one-year-old Marnie Mae together - have called time on their seven-year marriage just 12 months after welcoming their second child into the world, but they have vowed to remain on friendly terms for the sake of their children.

A spokesman for the couple said: "Tamzin Outhwaite and Tom Ellis are sad to confirm they have separated.

"They continue to support each other as parents and will remain friends. They ask for sensitivity at this difficult time."

Just two months ago Tamzin - best known for playing Melanie Owen in 'EastEnders' from 1998 to 2002 - said she was "very proud" of her husband, who has daughter Nora from a previous relationship, and was convinced their marriage had lasted so long because they rarely bicker.

She said in June: "He's [Tom] doing really well and ... it's all pretty happy days at the moment. We're not big arguers."

Tamzin's marriage break-up follows the news her close pal Nicole Appleton's marriage to Liam Gallagher is over after it emerged the ex-Oasis singer had fathered a love child with American journalist Liza Ghorbani and had embarked on an affair with his band Beady Eye's aide Debbie Dwyther.