Duran Duran star and wife split up

DURAN Duran drummer Roger Taylor and his wife have separated after 19 years of marriage, the couple announced yesterday.

Taylor and make-up artist Giovanna Cantone Taylor decided in January that splitting up was "the most sensible thing" for them and their children.

Band spokesman Gerard Franklin said the pair made the announcement to quash speculation they had divorced, and stressed it may not be permanent.

"Both of them felt they needed some time and space on their own to reflect on the future," he said.

The couple, who own two homes in London, have two sons, aged 16 and 12, and a nine-year-old daughter. The band start a UK tour in Belfast tonight.