Murphy and 'wife' remain friends

Edmonds and Murphy started dating last year

Actor Eddie Murphy says he plans to "remain friends" with film producer Tracey Edmonds, two weeks after they had a "symbolic marriage" ceremony.

Murphy, 46, and Edmonds, 40, exchanged vows on New Year's Day on a private island in the South Pacific, but the celebration was not legally binding.

But reports in the US claim the couple have since split up.

In a statement, the couple said they had decided after "much consideration" not to have a formal ceremony.

They added it was "not necessary to define our relationship further".

But statement did not clarify whether the couple were continuing with their relationship.

'Deep love'

"While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends," the statement said.

Murphy and Edmonds started their romance last year as Murphy argued with Spice Girls singer Melanie Brown over the paternity of her baby girl.

The actor later acknowledged Angel Iris Murphy Brown was his daughter after a DNA test in June confirmed he was the father.

Murphy, best known for starring in films such as Beverly Hills Cop and Dr Dolittle, was married for 13 years to model and actress Nicole Mitchell Murphy. They had five children before divorcing in 2006.