To be honest, we're far more upset over this than Ozzy and Sharon splitting, for obvious reasons (namely because they're bound to get back together within the year. Just a hunch).
Duff and McAvoy were always an unassuming couple that didn't court the press. They just quietly went about their business - appearing in block busting movies, extremely dramatic TV shows, and popping up every now and then to read a Bedtime story on Cbeebies. The steadfastness of their relationship - while being parents and working in the crazy world of showbiz - was something of a strange comfort (to me anyway. For some reason I seek solace in these things). So, to hear of their split after almost a decade of marriage is a bit depressing.
The pair, who met on the set of Shameless many moons ago (she played Fiona Gallagher, while he played her cheeky lover in series one Steve McBride), released the following statement: "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."
James McAvoy 'linked to X-Men's Alexandra Shipp' after revealing divorce with Anne-Marie Duff: James McAvoy, ... https://t.co/PfXLC2R5Ys
— We Love UK (@We_Love_UK) May 15, 2016
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The announcement of the split is particularly timely considering McAvoy is currently promoting X-Men:Apocalypse. Rumours have been circulating that James has been "linked" with co-star Alexandra Shipp, who plays a "young Storm."
According to someone speaking via The Mirror: "It’s no great secret how they’ve got close… James has been quite open among the cast and crew that his marriage was over, and it seems he has struck up a friendship with Alex since then."
