JOHNNY Vegas and his wife Maia Dunphy have confirmed their separation.

Comedian Johnny, from Thatto Heath, has been married to Irish journalist Maia for seven years.

They have a two-year-old son together called Tom Laurence.

In a tweet today – which Johnny later shared – Maia wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that we want to let you know that we separated some time ago last year.

"We are telling people now because speculation is unhelpful at best, and dangerous at worst.

"As we think is obvious, we continue to fully support each other; there is no acrimony, no story and no one else involved.

"We have never played out our relationship publicly, so we don't feel it's too much to ask for privacy now.

"We also ask people to be mindful that there are two children involved, and their welfare is our main concern now. Thank you. X."

The comedian, actor and director also has a 12-year-old son from a previous relationship.