Madonna and Ritchie confirm split

Madonna and Guy Ritchie have ended months of speculation after confirming that they are to divorce.

The pop star and her film producer husband made the announcement yesterday (October 15th) after almost eight years of marriage.

It was widely reported in June this year that Madonna, 50, had contacted Fiona Shackleton - divorce lawyer to Paul McCartney - but this was later denied by the couple, who continued to make public appearances together.

There is now widespread speculation as to how much money Ritchie, 40, will receive out of his wife's estimated £300 million fortune.

Although he is reported to have said he is not interested in being paid a penny, some sources suggest he could be in line to receive as much as £100 million, since no pre-nuptial agreement was signed prior to the wedding.

However, experts maintain that it is likely he will receive much less than half of her fortune due to the fact that she built it up prior to their marriage.

It is believed that Madonna - who is currently on the US leg of her Sticky and Sweet tour - wants the divorce to be finalised before Christmas.

Madonna and Ritchie have two sons - Rocco, eight, and David Banda, who was adopted in 2005. She also has a daughter, Lourdes, from a previous relationship.