The couple - who have children Lily-Rose, 13, and 10-year-old Jack together - confirmed on 19.06.12 that they had split after 14 years together, but friends admit they had tried for a long time to repair the cracks in their union.

A source told People magazine: "They`ve tried for months to save the relationship but have known for weeks that it couldn`t be saved."

Last week, Vanessa returned to her native France to promote her latest movie `Je Me Suis Fait Tout Petit` and the insider claims the announcement of the separation purposefully coincided with the trip.

The source added: "It was all decided before she got on that plane."

Announcing their separation in a brief statement today, the couple appealed for privacy for the sake of their two children.

They said: "Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have amicably separated. Please respect their privacy and, more importantly, the privacy of their children."

Shortly before the couple announced they had split, it was claimed the pair were determined to get their relationship back on track.

A source said recently: ``For the first time in a long time, he is talking about her. They both want to make it work.``
sections: Celebrities