Adam Woodyatt splits from wife of 22 years

Adam Woodyatt has split from his wife of 22 years.

The \'EastEnders\' star - who has played Ian Beale on the BBC soap since 1985 - tied the knot with Beverley Sharp in 1998, but it has now been confirmed the pair have separated after more than two decades of marriage, with Adam\'s spokesperson revealing the split occurred in 2019.

The spokesperson said: "Beverley and Adam separated in August last year and we ask that the family\'s privacy is respected."

Friends of the former couple - who have Jessica, 27, and Samuel, 23, together - say the divorce will be a "straightforward separation", and the pair plan on staying close friends for the sake of their brood.

An insider told The Sun: "Beverley was naturally very upset, as anybody would be in the circumstances, but these things happen and it\'s a straightforward separation.

"Nobody plans for these things and divorce is a difficult thing to get your head around but they have dealt with it quietly for several months and are now telling friends so it\'s less of a secret.

"They still get on well, and are keen to make sure they stay that way for the sake of their children - even though they are now grown up."

The news comes after it was recently revealed Adam would be taking an extended break from \'EastEnders\', and won\'t be on screens for around 10 weeks after the show returns following a break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A source said this month: "Writers are staying tight-lipped about what happens, so it\'s not known yet what the future will hold for the character. There are no guarantees and anything can happen in Albert Square.

"It will be strange for viewers not to have Ian on screen for such a long time. But it will be nice for Adam to have some time out after working on the show for so long."