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Colin Firth's marriage to wife Livia fell apart a year ago over claims she had an affair with a childhood friend who went on to become an alleged stalker.

The pair separated in 2018 and released a statement confirming Livia had struck up a romance with a pal called Marco Brancaccia and it had turned sour.

Brancaccia was later accused of stalking her, and reports suggested he detailed his relationship with Livia in an email "designed to wound" Firth.

He was said to have detailed all his intimate encounters with Livia and sent it to Firth.

A source previously told Mail Online: "This guy Marco basically told Colin everything he had been doing with his wife for a year.

"The email was a detailed diatribe, humiliated Colin and was designed with no other motive than to wound.

"He described intimate meetings that would devastate any husband – no matter what the state of their marriage.

(Image: PA Images) (Image: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)

"And he did so with the misguided and hopeless belief he could destabilise the efforts being made by Colin and Livia to sort things out."

In March 2018, a statement from the pair's reps explained: "A few years ago Colin and Livia privately made the decision to separate.

"During that time Livia briefly became involved with former friend Mr Brancaccia.

"The Firths have since reunited.

"Subsequently, Mr Brancaccia carried out a frightening campaign of harassment over several months, much of which is documented.

(Image: ABACA/PA Images)

"As a consequence of his stalking, threats and refusal to desist, the legal complaint was lodged with the Italian authorities."

Brancaccia denied that he was stalking the Italian film producer and has she claimed wanted to leave Firth for good to embark on a relationship with him.

The couple, who are parents to two teenage sons, seemed to have got their marriage back on track before today's shock announcement.

The break-up was confirmed by the star's publicists, who said the former couple are staying close for the sake of their children.

The statement reads: "Colin and Livia Firth have separated. They maintain a close friendship and remain united in their love for their children.

"They kindly ask for privacy. There will be no further comment".

Firth, 59, has two sons with Livia, Matteo and Luca, as well as another son from his previous relationship with actress Meg Tilly.

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