Supermodel Heidi Klum and singer Seal have confirmed they have split after seven years of marriage.

The pair appeared to be one of Hollywood's strongest couples, renewing their vows annually, but rumors they were heading for a break-up have swirled for several weeks.

Now the stars have announced they have separated, insisting that they still love each other but have "grown apart".

A statement given to People magazine reads, "While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate.
 
"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition.
 
"We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

The German beauty married the Brit in 2005 and they have three children together - daughter Lou and sons Henry and Johan. The Kiss From a Rose hit-maker also adopted Klum's eldest daughter Leni from a previous relationship.