Madonna calls Guy Ritchie to ask for an amicable settlement?

Madonna has reportedly spoken to estranged husband Guy Ritchie for the first time in weeks - to ask him to help settle their divorce amicably.

The couple are said to have only spoken through their lawyers or representatives since announcing their separation earlier in the month but according to the Daily Mail, Madonna made the phone call to her husband of nearly eight years on Tuesday night on the advice of her spiritual leader.

A source told the newspaper: “It was a very emotional call and a sign of the desperation Madonna feels for them to settle before things start getting more serious legally.

“Madonna tried to encourage Guy of all the good times, said how they must settle before it got any more messy and public. She said she had always worked so hard to provide for the family.

“She said she had been saddened by some of the criticisms of her which appeared to have come from his camp. She said the leaks of hurtful stories would only get worse.

“Guy stayed quiet for most of the call, gave very little away and at the end said it was now in the hands of the lawyers.”

The source claims Madonna cried openly after the call ended - the first time she’s shed tears since the announcement of their plans to divorce.

The couple are said to be hoping to agree a settlement without going to court but are currently stuck in a custody dispute over their children. Madonna wants daughter Lourdes and sons Rocco & David to live with her in New York while Guy wants them to stay in London, where they have been based since the couple’s marriage in December 2000.

Guy is expected to receive a settlement worth around £20million, including a cash lump sum payment and property.