AceShowbiz - Britain's premier comedy couple Dawn French and Lenny Henry have split after 25 years of marriage. The "Absolutely Fabulous" star and her husband quietly decided to separate in October 2009, according to reports.

A statement from the couple's publicist reads, "The separation is entirely amicable and they fully intend to maintain their close friendship." French and Henry wed in 1984. They adopted daughter Billie in 1991. The pair's publicist adds, "Their priority is to commit to the future joint parenting of their daughter. They ask that the media respects the privacy of their family."

The couple weathered a storm back in 1999 after it emerged that Henry had cheated on his wife with a 26-year-old receptionist. The scandal and subsequent reports about other alleged infidelities sent the comedian/actor to rehab with depression issues. He later called his behavior a "classic mid-life crisis".