Jessica Simpson announces split

The couple's married life was chronicled on TV

US singers and reality TV stars Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey are to separate after three years of marriage, the pair have announced.

The relationship has been the subject of persistent media scrutiny after it was chronicled on hit MTV reality series Newlyweds.

Simpson, 25, played Daisy Duke in this year's movie remake of 1980 TV series Dukes of Hazzard.

Lachey, 32, an ex-member of US boy band 98 Degrees, appeared on drama Charmed.

'Mutual decision'

"After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways," they said in a joint statement.

"This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other."

The TV series Newlyweds followed Simpson and Lachey's lives at their California home.

The couple also hosted the TV variety show Nick and Jessica's Family Christmas last year.