Chris Pizzello Chris Pizzello

IN THE EARLY hours of this morning, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan shared some news on Twitter.

They began by saying that they feel strange about the fact that a statement is necessary, but accept that it is part and parcel of being a celebrity couple.

We’re living in an incredible moment in time, but it’s also a time where truth can easily get distorted into “alternative facts”, so we want to share the truth so you know that if you didn’t read it here, then it’s most certainly fiction.

Tatum and Dewan then announced that they have “lovingly chosen to separate as a couple”.

There are no secrets or salacious events at the root of our decision – just two best friends realising that it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible. We are still a family and will always be loving dedicated parents to Everly.

The couple wed in July, 2009 after meeting on set while filming Step Up in 2006. Jenna previously shared the story of how their relationship began with Ellen DeGeneres:

[I was like] look, if you want to date other people and be free, that’s totally fine [...] You’ve got to figure out what you want, because I know I want to be in a relationship. He had gone out with all the dancers on Step Up and had this crazy, wild tequila night and he said he had the chance “to be free” and he couldn’t stop thinking about me.

That night, he left his tequila party and showed up to Jenna’s hotel room at 2am wearing just his underwear, a pair of uggs and a sombrero, to tell her “Let’s do this.”

Both Jenna and Channing are 37 years old, and their daughter Everly will turn five on the 31st of May this year. Fans on Twitter have been fairly devastated by the split.

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At least they had the decency to wait for the 2nd of April to make their announcement.

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