Billie Piper and her husband of almost nine years, actor and sometime-musician Laurence Fox, have split.

The pair, who married in December 2007 after meeting while they both starred in the play 'Treats', made the announcement via a short statement on Fox's Facebook page, which read:

"Laurence Fox and Billie Piper have separated. No third parties are involved. For the sake of our family we request and appeal for space and privacy at this time".

Piper, who most recently starred in Irish-filmed series Penny Dreadful, was previously married to DJ and TV presenter Chris Evans for three years, separating in 2004 and divorcing in May 2007. She has two sons with Fox - Winston (born 2008) and Eugene (born 2012).

Fox is best known for his role in Lewis and released his debut album last month.