Brad and Jennifer ask for kindness and sensivity as they separating

New York, Jan 8 : It's the end of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/culture/2003/02/08/43154.html ' target=_blank>Hollywood's one of the most famous romance as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston have decided to call it quits after five years of marriage. According to E-online, the couple formally announced their separation in a joint statement on Friday.

"We have decided to formally separate. This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration. We happily remain committed and caring friends with great love and admiration for one another. We ask in advance for your kindness and sensitivity in the coming months," they were quoted as saying in the joint statement, reports New Kerala.

Aniston’s rep Stephen Huvane and Pitt’s rep Cindy Guagenti declined to comment further.

Ocean’s Twelve star Pitt, 41, and friends actress Aniston, 35, met in 1998 when they were set up on a dinner date.

There followed one of Hollywood’s hottest romances which the couple kept secret for months. Eventually in July 2000 they wed at a lavish ceremony in Malibu, informs the Scotsman.

According to the BBC News, the couple have no children. There is no indication whether they plan to file for divorce.

The announcement of the split followed months of speculation in newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic, including reports that Pitt wanted to become a father but Aniston was reluctant to start a family. A break-up was regarded as imminent after Aniston was spotted without her wedding ring in December, but the wedding band reappeared in later photographs.