After months of speculation it seems Madonna and Guy Ritchie are set to divorce.

It was back in July when rumours of a marriage split first surfaced but Madonna instructed her spokeswoman to issue a statement at the time insisting there were “no plans” to divorce.

The couple also put on a show of unity at the UK premiere of Guy’s film RocknRolla and at Madonna’s birthday party.

Now reports claim a statement confirming their marriage is over has been prepared and is set to be released shortly.

A source told The Sun: “It’s very sad. They were a great couple and brilliant parents. They just couldn’t live together any more.”

Friends say Madonna wanted to wait until next year to announce the split after her Sweet and Sticky tour had finished. But Guy, 40, wants a divorce finalised before Christmas.

The source added: “Despite huge attempts to patch things up they both knew deep down that divorce was on the cards. It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. They tried hard over the last few months but their fighting was getting out of control.

“The final straw came before Madonna started her US tour.

“Madonna wanted a highly stage-managed separation, with their split being announced when it was convenient for her. She didn’t want the distraction while she is trying to concentrate on her tour.

“But a series of rows around Guy’s 40th birthday last month were so bad that Madge ended up storming out of the house and Guy’s had enough.

“Guy said if they were going to split, it has to be now – and their marriage will finally be over in a matter of weeks.

“Madonna was dithering at first about whether a separation would be best or whether to go ahead with the divorce. She has now agreed with Guy that a divorce is the best thing to do.”

Guy is reportedly back in the UK from France, postponing filming of his new movie Sherlock Holmes, to tell his parents.