Fergie and Josh Duhamel split

Fergie and husband Josh Duhamel have announced they separated earlier this year after eight years of marriage.

Releasing a joint statement to People overnight the couple, who first got together in 2004, say they continue to be a united family for their four-year-old son Axl.

"With absolute love and respect we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year," the statement read.

"To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public. We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family."

The news comes as the 42-year-old Glamorous singer laughed off persistant speculation she and Josh were expecting a second baby together only last week.

"I've heard so many rumors about all of that. I have no idea what's in the future," Fergie told 103.5 KTU.

Earlier this year the Transformers actor opened up about his life with Fergie shortly after they celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary, saying they "genuinely liked each other".

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"[We] have a lot of love for our son and have a good time together. And that’s about it," Josh added to Haute Living.

The former couple first met after The Black Eyed Peas made a cameo appearance on Josh's show Las Vegas in 2004.

They got engaged in 2007 and wed in a ceremony in January 2009.

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