Johnny Vegas and his wife, author and broadcaster Maia Dunphy, have announced their separation.
In a Twitter post called “a note from me and @JohnnyVegasReal”, Maia, 43, revealed the pair split “some time ago” and have now decided to make the news public.
In a post she tagged the Benidorm star in, which he then retweeted, she wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we want to let you know that we separated some time ago last year.
“We are telling people now because speculation is unhelpful at best, and dangerous at worst.”
She continues: “As we think is obvious, we continue to fully support each other; there is no acrimony, no story and no one else involved.
“We have never played out our relationship publicly, so we don’t feel it’s too much to ask for privacy now. We also ask people to be mindful that there are two children involved, and their welfare is our main concern now.”
The writer also shared the message on Instagram, alongside a quote which read: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Johnny and Maia met in Dublin in 2008 when she interviewed the comedian for a magazine.
They married in 2011 and had a son, Tom, now three.
Johnny also has a teenage son, Michael from a previous relationship.
During their marriage, the couple often spent time apart, as Johnny travelled for work or stayed with Michael in London, while Maia preferred to remain in her native Dublin so she could be close to family.
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Maia, who recently appeared on Ireland’s Strictly equivalent, Dancing With The Stars, once told the Irish Independent it could be “very hard” to have a long distance relationship.
“I am effectively a single mum, most of the time. I can’t even take the bins out without bringing Tom with me because I wouldn’t leave him six floors up on his own,” she said.
She added that she “envied” her friends whose husbands would come home in the evening after a day at work.
The couple’s friends, family and fans have rallied round them following their announcement.
“Sending you both love and best wishes. It’s no ones business but yours and Johnnys,” one wrote.
“So sorry to hear that news.. best wishes,” said another.
“I’ve walked that road and we remain great friends. I have no doubt you’ll do the same. Best wishes to you both,” wrote a third.
ED! have contacted the couple’s reps for comment.
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