Pop star Seal and supermodel Heidi Klum have confirmed they are separating after seven years of marriage. In a statement, the couple said they had decided to separate after "much soul searching."

They appealed for privacy and stressed that the break-up is amicable. The couple married in 2005 and have four children, including Klum's daughter from a previous marriage.

The official statement read: "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."

Klum, who also hosts TV show Project Runway, and Seal married on May 10, 2005.