Newspapers in the UK have run wild with stories stating the divorce of singer Madonna with film director Guy Ritchie is 'imminent'.

The Sun says the couple will announce the split when Madonn'a world tour concludes in December and when lawyers finalise separation papers.

The pair have been married eight years and have lived together iwth their children in Marylebone, London, (Madonna's property) and an Ashcombe House in Wiltshire (Guy's property). The pair have three children; Lourdes from a previous relationship, David, who was adopted from an orphanage in Malawi and Rocco was born to the singer and Guy Ritchie in 2000.

Many rumours began circulating about the marriage when Madonna was found to have been visiting American baseball star Alex Rodriguez in June this year.

Madonna, 50, is said to be in talks with Fiona Shackleton, the lawyer who handled Sir Paul McCartney's high-profile split from Heather Mills this year.

While no pre-nuptial agreement is thought to have been signed, Madonna's wealth is estimated at nearly $800m.

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