Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s marriage is on the verge of collapse according to a report in the News of the World.

Inside sources have claimed the couple are sleeping in separate beds and leading separate lives after endless fighting over the adoption of son David and Madonna’s plans for expanding their family further.

The source told the newspaper: “They’re in total meltdown and row non-stop whenever they see each other.”

“They’ve been at loggerheads for a while and now hardly do anything together. They’re even spending more and more nights in separate bedrooms.”

The couple, along with son Rocco and Madonna’s daughter Lourdes from a previous relationship, were spotted on a family bike ride through Hyde Park in London this week but the source insists this is just for show: “they’re a united front when their children are involved… But behind closed doors they barely speak.”

A friend of Guy’s added that Guy’s decision to not accompany Madonna on her recent trip to Malawi heightened tensions between the pair, causing Guy to reassess their relationship: “Madonna was devastated that Guy wouldn’t join her in Malawi. She phoned him in tears but he wouldn’t change his mind. That’s when they realised their relationship was all but over. If it wasn’t for his son Rocco, I think Guy would have walked a long time ago.”

“At first he was bowled over and couldn’t believe his luck in snagging a beautiful, sexy superstar.”

“But now he feels she’s so domineering he’s not allowed an opinion of his own. For instance, he’s not keen about her obsession with the Kabbalah sect but Madonna is used to always getting her own way.”

“Guy is a big talent in his own right but worries he is turning into Mr Madonna. His career hasn’t exactly blossomed since Madge came on the scene.”

A further source added that four of their staff members have handed in their notices because of the atmosphere: “It’s not just the rows between Guy and Madonna. Everyone’s used to that. But things changed radically after baby David arrived. You’d have thought it would unite everyone but it seems to have driven a huge wedge through the household.”

“Madonna’s always been a cow to work for - but since taking on David she’s just impossible. Her demands have got even worse - completely unreasonable.”

“She’s expecting a lot from her staff but giving very little thanks in return. And no one is standing for that. Not the staff, and not Guy either.”