Reese Witherspoon,Ryan PhillippeAfter denying marriage trouble rumours for the last six months, Reese Witherspoon and husband Ryan Phillippe have announced they formally separated yesterday morning.

Their spokesperson issued a statement through the TMZ website, saying: “We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate. They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time.”

Reese and Ryan met at Reese’s 21st birthday party nine years ago and married two years later. They have two children together; a seven year old daughter, Ava and a three year old son, Deacon.

Reese is believed to be working with celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman - who has previously represented Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Marie Presley in their respective divorces.

A close source said the formal separation at this point was not triggered by one event but “cumulative”.

The formal divorce papers are expected to be filed before the end of the year.