Actor Forbes Masson has announced he and his wife Melanie are ending their marriage after more than two decades together.
The EastEnders and The Crown star shared the news in an emotional statement on social media, revealing the couple had made the difficult decision to go their separate ways after 25 years.
‘It is with a deep sadness and a very heavy and sore heart that I have to announce that after over 25 years together Melanie and I are going our separate ways,’ Forbes wrote on Instagram.
‘I wish Melanie only love and happiness and hope she finds it. It has been a very difficult decision for both of us. Sorry to family members and close friends who are finding out this way. X.’
Melanie, who found fame on The X Factor in 2012, shared her own statement confirming the split was mutual.
‘Some time ago, Forbes and I made the decision to go our separate ways. We have been waiting for the right time to share this sad news,’ she wrote.
‘Forbes and I created two beautiful humans who we will forever love, cherish, support and nurture. They are now young adults who understand and accept our decision and remain secure in our love for them.
‘This was a mutual decision and although our relationship has ended, our friendship will remain. We will always be family.’
The former couple, who share two adult children, both emphasised that the decision had been made after considerable thought and that they remain committed to co-parenting and supporting their family.
While Forbes and Melanie largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, both enjoyed successful careers in the entertainment industry, with Forbes perhaps best known for his role as teacher Rod Morris in EastEnders, where he became involved in one of the BBC soap’s most controversial storylines during the late 1990s.
He also built a loyal following through cult Scottish sitcom The High Life, which he co-created and co-wrote alongside Alan Cumming.
He was also in the final season of The Crown, where he portrayed photographer Duncan Muir in the Netflix royal drama.
Meanwhile, Melanie became a familiar face to television audiences after competing on The X Factor in 2012.
Placed in the over-28s category, she impressed judges with her powerhouse vocals and advanced to the live shows before becoming the second finalist eliminated from the competition.
Since then, she has carved out a successful career as a session singer and theatre performer, working with artists including Stereophonics, Kasabian and Fatboy Slim, while also appearing in numerous West End productions.
The couple’s announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans.
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