Oscar-winning British actor Colin Firth and his Italian film producer wife Livia Giuggioli have decided to part ways after 22 years of marriage.
The couple’s publicists said in a statement that the couple “maintain a close friendship and remain united in their love for their children.”
A joint statement from their publicists who confirmed the news on Friday said they would not comment further.
Firth and Giuggioli got married in 1997, one year after meeting on the set of the BBC drama Nostromo. The pair, who lived together in London and Rome, have two sons, Luca and Matteo. Firth also has a son with former partner and actress Meg Tilly.
However, the last five years have been rough for the couple. Their decision to split follows a mutual separation several years ago during which Giuggioli became romantically involved with Italian Journalist Marco Brancaccia. According to a statement released by the couple in 2017, Brancaccia had been stalking Giuggioli after their relationship ended.
“The reality is that Livia and I have known each other since we were youths, then in 2015-2016. We had an 11-months affair,” Brancacia told People in 2018. “After it ended in June 2016 I never called her again. I did send her two WhatsApp messages, one happy birthday (text message) and an email to Colin. The latter which I truly regret,”
Furthermore, Police investigation against Brancaccia found “abusive messages and emails” on Brancaccia‘s phone. Authorities charged him with stalking in May 2018. In July 2018, the couple who re-united reached an undisclosed settlement with Brancaccia.
Firth, won the best actor Oscar and a Golden Globe in 2011 for his portrayal of stuttering British monarch King George VI in The King’s Speech.