The most surprising celebrity splits: gallery

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

One of Hollywood's most loved-up couples shocked fans when their split was announced in September 2016.

Angelina's lawyer Robert Offer confirmed the news, saying that the actress had filed for "dissolution of marriage". He added that the "decision was made for the health of the family".

"She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time," Robert said.

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber announced in September 2016 that they were parting ways after 11 years together. The longterm couple - who are parents to sons Alexander (Sasha) eight, and seven-year-old Samuel - released a joint statement confirming their separation.

"Over the past few months we've come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple," it read.

"It is with great love, respect and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship.

"While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy."

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard

Just 15 months after their beach wedding, the Hollywood stars split in May 2016.

Amber, 30, filed for divorce from the film star in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. She listed the date of their separation as 22 May, just two days after Johnny's mum passed away.

Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman

After four years of marriage and two daughter in common, Drew and Will sadly announced their separation in April 2016.

The pair tried to work things out but were essentially heading in different directions.

"They wanted different things," a source told People at the time. "Sometimes you want so badly to have what you didn't have and then when you get it, it's not exactly what you thought it would be."

Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney

In July came the sad news that Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney had called off their engagement and ended their five year relationship.

The Bad Romance singer later confirmed the couple's split in a touching Instagram post.

"Taylor and I have always believed we are soulmates. Just like all couples we have ups and downs and we have been taking a break," she wrote.

"We are both ambitious artists, hoping to work through long distance and complicated schedules to continue the simple love we have always shared. Please root us on. We're just like everybody else and we really love each other."

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart

After a five year on-off romance, Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart quietly went their separate ways in the summer of 2016. News of their split was revealed in August, although sources confirmed that the couple had actually been separated for "a few weeks" by that point.

"It wasn't anything dramatic, and they were on good terms – it just came to a natural end," an insider told People. "They will remain friends and they see each other, but they are not together. It was very amiable."

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris

Their love story is over. In June 2016 fans were shocked to hear that music power couple Taylor and Calvin had called it a day.

Although the couple haven't immediately confirmed the split themselves, a source told People: "There was no drama. Things just don't work out sometimes. No one cheated."

Other reports claimed that Taylor and Calvin, who celebrated their first-year anniversary in March, had drifted apart and become "friends" rather than lovers.

Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Ari Behn

In August came the sad news that Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her husband Ari Behn were ending their 14 year marriage. In a candid statement, Martha Louise said of their decision to divorce, "there is nothing more we can do".

"Life does not always go smoothly," she said. "Both Ari and I have experienced this…These days we were mainly apart. We are ending the marriage but we are remaining together in parenthood.

"We have tried everything for a long time and we still cannot be where we were before, making it impossible for us to continue. We feel guilty because we are no longer able to create the safe harbour that our children deserve. But we hope and believe that we will manage to hold on to friendship through what lies ahead."

The couple share three daughters together; Maud Angelica, 13, Leah Isadora, 11, and Emma Tallulah, seven, and have confirmed that they plan to share custody of the children. 

Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger

In July representatives confirmed that Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson had ended their ten year romance. 

The news came as a big shock to fans, not least because the couple had only just moved into a home in New York City together. A source close to the pair simply said that they had "decided to separate and remain friends".

Mary J Blige and Kendu Isaacs

Mary J Blige and her husband Kendu Isaacs called time on their 12 year marriage in July. 

"Ms. Blige is saddened to say it is true that she has filed for divorce, saying sometimes things don't work out how we hoped they would," her publicist Karynne Tencer confirmed in a statement. "But there is a divine plan and a reason for everything."

Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Lockwood

Lisa Marie Presley ended her 10 year marriage to Michael Lockwood in June 2016. The star submitted her divorce papers on 13 June citing irreconcilable differences, and requested full custody of the couple's seven-year-old twin daughters, Harper and Finley.

It was Lisa Marie's fourth marriage. She was married to musician Danny Keough – with who she has two children, model Riley and son Benjamin – from 1988 until 1994, and then went on to have high-profile unions with Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage.

Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington

In June 2016, Dennis Quaid's Kimberly wife filed for divorce, signalling an end to their tumultuous 12 year marriage. The couple, who are parents to twins Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace, had a rollercoaster romance; Kimberly first filed for divorce in March 2012, but withdrew the paperwork one month later, only for Dennis to file in November of that same year.

Confirming their decision to finally call time on their marriage, Dennis said in a statement: "After careful consideration, Kimberly and I have decided to end our 12 year marriage. The decision was made amicably and with mutual respect towards one another. We will always remain great friends and devoted partners in raising our children."

James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff

The couple announced their separation by releasing a joint statement in April 2016.

The statement read: "It is with tremendous sadness that we have come to the decision to divorce. We enter this next phase with continued friendship, love and respect for one another and the shared focus of caring for our son.

"We ask that you respect our and, most importantly, our child's privacy during this time."

The couple, who share one son, Brendan, married in a small ceremony in 2006, and have kept their marriage relatively out of the spotlight ever since.

Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green

Their marriage officially came to an end on 24 May in a 'quickie' divorce hearing lasting just 30 seconds.

Neither of them attended the hearing at Central London Family Court, which came three months after they announced their decision to split.

Former Made in Chelsea star Millie was granted a decree nisi by District Judge Heather MacGregor after filing divorce papers citing "unreasonable behaviour" for the split.

Jenson Button and Jessica Michibata

The F1 racer confirmed the end of his one year marriage to Jessica Michibata just before Christmas. The couple, who tied the knot in Hawaii in December of 2014, parted on friendly terms, with a spokesman for the Formula One star stating: "Jenson and Jessica have decided to go their separate ways and it is very amicable. There is no-one else involved."

Gigi Hadid and Joe Jonas

Gigi Hadid and Joe Jonas split after just five months together. The couple quickly became inseparable after they decided to take their friendship to the next level, but work commitments were reportedly the reason behind their break up.

"Joe and Gigi's relationship recently ended. Nothing serious happened... It wasn't a dramatic break up. It was just hard to make it work with their schedules. They will definitely remain friends," a source told in October People.

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez

After two years of marriage Halle Berry revealed she and her husband were divorcing in October 2015.

In a joint statement released to CNN the couple said they still "love and respect for one another," and will continue to remain in each others lives for the sake of their two-year-old son.

Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting

The Big Bang Theory star filed for divorce from Ryan Sweeting in September 2015, just 21 months after they got married.

Their whirlwind romance saw Kaley Cuoco marry her tennis player beau in December 2013 after only six months of dating.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield

The Amazing Spiderman co-stars are reported to have split in October 2015 after three years of dating.

A source close to the couple told Us Weekly: "They still have a lot of love for one another and they are on good terms with each another and remain close. It just wasn't working."

Liam Payne and Sophia Smith

They seemed like one of the stronger One Direction couples but Liam Payne and girlfriend Sophia Smith split in October 2015.

Liam, 22, and fashion business student Sophia went to school together in Wolverhampton, but didn't start dating until 2013.

Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge

After four years together, the actor and actress couple called time on their relationship in July 2015.

The British pair became engaged three years ago and have a daughter, Marlowe, three.

Sienna first sparked split rumours when she was seen without her engagement ring at Cannes Film Festival.

Nick Jonas and Olivia Culpo

The Jonas brother claimed his split from Miss Universe was due to their long distance relationship when the couple called an end to their two-year romance in June 2015.

Both Nick and Olivia have since moved on, with the model seeing quarterback Tim Tebow and the Jealous singer spotted on dates with Kate Hudson.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck

A spate of high profile break ups has left celebrity fans speechless – not least of all the end of the Affleck marriage.

Golden couple Jen and Ben broke hearts by separating after ten years in June 2015 but promised "to go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting".

Who else has also called time on their relationship recently?

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale

The music is over for one of pop's most loved couples who are divorcing after 20 years together and almost 13 years of marriage.

In January the rock hunk told Rolling Stone: "Wow, it's so long. I can't remember much without [Gwen]. She's such a great person that I think she's taught me how to be a better person."

Charlize Theron and Sean Penn

They surprised everyone – including themselves – when their 18-year friendship turned into a romance, making them one of Hollywood's most fascinating pairings.

Then, almost as dramatically the power couple broke up, some time after the 2015 Cannes festival.

Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton

The former X Factor judge hasn't let herself mope over the end of their seven-year relationship.

She called in a big gang of gal pals her mother Rosemary and elderly grandmother for support.

Meanwhile, Lewis, who was once thought to be about to propose, has been hanging out with the 'Insta' model crowd, the Hadids, the Jenners and Rihanna.

Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton

The crown prince and princess of country music called it quits two weeks ago after ten years together.

Fans were shocked as Blake constantly referred to his wife on the US version of The Voice, giving her thoughts on contestants.

It was a running joke how often he said to the audience, "I was just tellin' Miranda".

Irina Shayk and Cristiano Ronaldo

It was once thought this relationship would definitely end in marriage, but Irina broke it off after discovering text messages from other women on his phone.

She's now moved on with Bradley Cooper.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin

Since 'consciously uncoupling' in 2014 the duo have become a template for how to maintain a close friendship despite a divorce.

Miley Cyrus and Patrick Schwarzenegger

Although the pair were inseperable during their five-month romance, Miley Cyrus and Arnold Schwarzenegger's son called it quits in April 2015.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick

Her sister has been going through her own relationship drama, recently asking her partner of nine years to leave.

After the birth of their third child, he travelled to Europe for a month of promotional appearances in night clubs.

Bradley Cooper and Suki Waterhouse

The couple enjoyed two years of dating despite their 17-year age gap, but called it quits in March 2015.

Suki, 22, is now believed to be dating Mexican actor Diego Luna, whilst Bradley has been linked to model Irina Shayk.

Louis Tomlinson and Eleanor Calder

The four-year relationship of the One Direction star and Eleanor Calder ended in March 2015.

The couple, who were thought to have been first introduced to each other by 21-year-old Harry, came together for Louis' mum's wedding in July 2014.

Louis has since announced that he's expecting a baby with stylist Briana Jungwirth.

Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn

Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn split up in May 2015. The skier announced the news on her Facebook page, saying their break-up was "mutual" and due to their "hectic lives".

"After nearly three years together, Tiger and I have mutually decided to end our relationship. I will always cherish the memories that we've created together," she wrote.

Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards

Zayn Malik ended his engagement with the Little Mix star in August 2015, much to the disappointment of their adoring fans.

The young lovebirds first started dating in early 2012, after meeting on The X Factor. They got engaged in August 2013, when the former One Direction heart-throb proposed.

Jodie Kidd and David Blakeley

The split came eight months after their wedding, which took place a year after they met.

Jodie was married once before and also has a son Indio, nearly four, by a previous relationship.

Sources told the Sun: "She now admits they rushed into the marriage and they didn't really know each other well enough to make such a big commitment."

Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton

In December 2014, they announced the end of their 13-year relationship, bringing to an end one of Hollywood’s most famous romantic and acting partnerships.

Helena appeared in several production by the gothic fantasy filmmaker.

Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock

Another country duo reached the end of the road – this time after 26 years.

The couple's daughter-in-law Kelly Clarkson, who is married to Narvel's son Brandon, will be particularly sad as she is known to be close to Reba.

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas

The couple signed their divorce papers earlier this summer after announcing in June 2014 that they planned to end their marriage in a "loving, friendly manner".

Melanie has moved forward, removing a tattoo of her ex's name on her arm and continuing to co-parent their daughter Stella with him – as seen at her recent graduation.

Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock

The couple split in December 2014 after 19 years together. They have two daughters Lola Simone, 13, and Zahra Savannah, 11.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

In August 2014, the Dream Lover singer separated from her husband.

However they often team up to care for their twins and Nick has often declared his affection for Mariah, tweeting: "I love @MariahCarey and that will never change!!"

Khloé Kardashian and Lamar Odom

Finally signing her divorce papers this month two years after separating , Khloé tweeted: "Such a crazy day!! Very emotional!"

The marriage broke down amid allegations of his drug use and infidelity.

As recently as April she told E! News: "I will never, ever not love Lamar. I was obsessed with him in a healthy way. He was my husband and I still wish he was."

Kris and Bruce Jenner

The couple announced their break up in 2013, after 22 years of marriage.

Bruce has changed his life completely transitioning to become a woman called Caitlyn, with the support of his children and stepchildren.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver

The couple announced their separation after 25 years of marriage in 2011.

The world was left shocked when it was revealed the screen veteran had a 13-year-old child with his former housekeeper Mildred Baena.

Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson

The millionaire couple were married in 2003 and divorced in 2013 after a scandal involving allegations that Nigella was using drugs.

During a fraud case it was claimed Nigella let their personal assistants use company credit cards in exchange for keeping quiet about her drug use.

Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson

Model Gigi Hadid split with singer Cody Simpson in May 2015 after two years of dating on and off.

The Maybelline ambassador is now dating Zayn Malik.

Clint and Dina Eastwood

The couple's 17-year marriage ended in 2013, much to everyone's surprise.

"He's probably the sweetest guy I've ever met. He is the sweetest, he is a loving, kind, low-key person so my intuition was still great on marrying a good person," Dina said about her then 83-year-old husband.

Eva Longoria and Tony Parker

Desperate Housewives star Eva divorced from her basketball star husband Tony in 2010 after allegations that he had been unfaithful with the now ex-wife of his teammate Brant Berry, Erin.

She has found happiness again with millionaire Jose Antonio Baston.

Heidi Klum and Seal

After three biological children (and one he adopted from Heidi's previous relationship), plus vow renewals, exotic get-aways and a seven-year-long relationship, the couple revealed they had grown apart.

Heidi is now seeing gallerist Vito Schnabel while Seal is dating socialite Erica Packer.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

The glamorous couple split in 2011 and the divorce was finalised in 2012 but remain great friends to this day.

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

They were considered one of the most solid couples in showbusiness, though they never married.

Vanessa was Johnny’s partner for 14 years and the mother of his two children, but split in 2012.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor is now engaged to actress and Rum Diary co-star Amber Heard.

Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes

Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes split following the filming of the 2010 movie Revolutionary Road.

The actress is now married to Ned Rock'n'Roll.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise

Katie filed for divorce in 2012 and moved out with their daughter Suri. They got hitched in 2006 and neither have remarried as yet.

Although the actress has been linked with Tom's close friend Jamie Foxx.

Liberty Ross and Rupert Sanders

They famously split after film director Rupert's affair with actress Kristen Stewart came to light.

The model stuck by him for a short time after images emerged of them being affectionate outdoors, as they promoted film Snow White and the Huntsman.

Since then Liberty has landed big work on the catwalks of Fashion Weeks. They have two children together and were wed for 10 years.

Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr

This duo surprised the world when they announced they were parting ways in 2013.

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe

These actors worked together on the set of Cruel Intentions in 1999 and married later that year.

The couple split in 2007 and have two children together. But Reese has since said "I do" to CAA agent Jim Toth.

Rupert and Wendi Murdoch

Wendi met the media mogul in 1997 and they got hitched in 1999. The wedding came less than three weeks after his divroce was finalised from previous spouse Anna.

Rupert and Wendi welcomed daughters in 2001 and 2003, however divorced in 2013 citing "irreconcilabe differences".

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds

The American actress began dating Candian Ryan in 2007. They got engaged in 2008 and married later that year.

However the couple announced a separation at the end of 2010 and the divorce was finalised July 2011. Now Ryan is married to Blake Lively and Scarlett's husband is French creative Romain Dauriac.

Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid

Courteney Cox split from her rocker fiancé Johnny McDaid in November. American publication TMZ reported at the time that Johnny, 39, packed his bags and moved out of Courteney's home in Los Angeles shortly before Thanksgiving.

The couple decided to call off their wedding, although they fought hard to save their relationship.

Sources say the pair attended counselling to try and work out their issues, but they mutually decided to end their relationship.