Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman are to separate after 11 years of marriage, a spokesman for the pair announced last night.

The couple, who were widely believed to have one of the happiest marriages in showbusiness, said they had taken the decision "regretfully" and blamed the pressure of work for keeping them apart.

American heart-throb Tom, 38, and Nicole, 34, who married in 1990, have two adopted children, Connor and Isabella.

Pat Kingsley, a spokeswoman for the couple, said: "Citing the difficulties inherent in divergent careers, which constantly keep them apart, they concluded that an amicable separation seems best for both of them at this time."

The couple met on the set of the 1990 film Days of Thunder, and romance soon blossomed - they married on Christmas Eve the same year.

Cruise's film credits include, Born on the Fourth of July, Rain Man, Top Gun and Mission Impossible.

Kidman, who was born in Hawaii but grew up in Australia, has starred in a host of movies including Dead Calm and Batman Forever.

In 1999, the couple appeared in Stanley Kubrick's final film the erotic thriller, Eyes Wide Shut.

The couple recently spent almost three years in Britain during the filming of Eyes Wide Shut, and Kidman's West End performance of The Blue Room.

In 1999, they spent a reported £2m on a nine-bedroom house in Dulwich. They also have homes in the US and Australia.

It is understood that no arrangements have yet been finalised regarding the custody of Connor and Isabella, but it is thought they will share the responsibility.