Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux split

'Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly.'

Photograph: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have announced their separation after two- and-a-half years of marriage.

Aniston, 49, and Theroux, 46, tied the knot in 2015 after four years of dating. They met on the sets of the 2011 film Wanderlust.

There were reports they were leading separate lives last March.

In a statement released through Aniston's publicist Stephen Huvane, the couple said the decision to split 'was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year', according to Entertainment Weekly.

'In an effort to reduce any further speculation, we have decided to announce our separation. This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year.'

'We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship,' it said.

'Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly.'

'Whatever else is printed about us that is not directly from us, is someone else's fictional narrative. Above all, we are determined to maintain the deep respect and love that we have for one another.'

Aniston was married to Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005.