Career 'caused Winslet split'

Winslet says there is "no malice" in the separation

Kate Winslet's acting career has been blamed for the split with husband Jim Threapleton.

Threapleton's grandparents have told newspapers that Winslet's success put enormous pressure on the couple.

Threapleton's grandmother, Jean, 73, said her grandson had found it hard being in the spotlight.

Winslet and Threapleton married in 1998

Winslet has told reporters of her regret over the "absolutely amicable" split, which comes after three years of marriage.

"We have known for a little while that things are not good between them," Jean Threapleton told the Daily Express.

"Her work and his work often kept them apart. They seem to be under so much pressure that they don't have time for each other - her with her film career and Jim writing."

Jim and I have great respect for each other - there is no malice at all

Kate Winslet

It had been reported that the split came after weeks of arguments.

The couple and 11-month-old daughter Mia moved out of their Surrey home and into Winslet's old flat in north London six weeks ago, according to reports.

Threapleton is said to have been staying with friends for several weeks.

The couple met on the set of Hideous Kinky

The Titanic star told reporters the split was a "mutual decision" on Tuesday.

"Jim and I have great respect for each other. There is no malice at all. It is extremely sad but we are all fine," she said.

The actress, who asked reporters to respect the pair's privacy, added: "Jim and I are both communicating constantly. Mia remains the happy child that she always has been."

There was no-one else involved in the split, Winslet's agent earlier said.

"Their daughter Mia will remain first priority for both of them," he said.

Baby Mia was born in October 2000

It has been reported that the pair will now consult divorce lawyers.

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.

They wed later that year, and Winslet had been known for making glowing public statements about wanting to spend the rest of her life with Threapleton.

Their first child, Mia, was born in October 2000.

She became an international celebrity after appearing in the blockbuster movie Titanic, and has followed up its success with roles in Quills, Hideous Kinky and Holy Smoke.