Kate Winslet to split from husband

Winslet and Threapleton married in 1998

Actress Kate Winslet and her husband Jim Threapleton are separating, it has been announced.

The couple, who celebrated the birth of their first child, Mia, last year, married in 1998.

Winslet met Threapleton on the set of Hideous Kinky

Winslet's spokesman Robert Garlock said: "Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton announced today that they have decided to separate.

"No other parties are involved in this amicable and respectful separation. Their daughter Mia will remain first priority for both of them."

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No reasons were given for the separation but there are reports of rows between the couple over the last few weeks.

The actress, whose new film Enigma is to be released soon, met assistant director Threapleton during the filming of Hideous Kinky in Morocco in 1998.

She became an international celebrity after appearing in the blockbuster movie Titanic, and followed up that success with a host of appearances in smaller, low-key movies.

Last summer the couple bought a £200,000 home in Cornwall and an old pump house overlooking the Thames in London.

The couple's first baby was born last year

They also jointly run a production company, Telltale Films, which aims to develop and produce UK and European-based films.

Their split comes a few weeks after the divorce of another high-profile couple, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

Since their wedding, Winslet has spoken often of putting their marriage first.

The star only recently told In Style magazine how her career came second to her home life.

"An actor's happiness has to come from something other than work," she told the magazine.

"I know we're very lucky."

She said having a baby had "strengthened the relationship although there are highs and lows and at times it's tough".