Kate Winslet and husband separate (From Times Series)

Kate Winslet and husband separate

6:14pm Monday 15th March 2010 in National News © Press Association 2011

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet and her husband Sam Mendes have separated after nearly seven years of marriage.

The split, announced by their legal representatives, was said to be "entirely amicable".

The couple - who are "saddened" by the split - separated earlier this year.

Their lawyer, Keith Schilling of legal firm Schillings, said: "Kate and Sam are saddened to announce that they separated earlier this year. The split is entirely amicable and is by mutual agreement. Both parties are fully committed to the future joint parenting of their children. They ask that the media respect the privacy of the family."

He said there would be no further comment on the matter.

Winslet and Mendes tied the knot in a secret ceremony in the West Indies in May 2003, during a holiday.

The couple had a son named Joe in December 2003.

Last year Winslet won a Best Actress Oscar for The Reader - after being nominated for an Academy Award five times previously without success - propelling her into the movie star super league.