Eddie Murphy separates from new wife

US actor Eddie Murphy and his wife Tracey Edmonds have separated just two weeks after they had a "symbolic" wedding ceremony.

The couple exchanged vows on a Polynesian island close to Bora Bora on New Year's Day but they would have also needed to have a ceremony in the US for their marriage to be legal.

However, it has transpired that no such ceremony will take place and that comedian Murphy is no longer in a romantic relationship with Edmonds. The couple released a joint statement to US publication People magazine which explained their decision.

It read: "After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further. While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends."

Murphy was previously married to Nicole Mitchell, with whom he has five children. The marriage ended in divorce after 14 years in 2006. The Shrek star also has a daughter with Spice Girl Melanie Brown.

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