Debra Messing and Daniel Zelman's relationship "changed over time", says their representative.

The married couple announced their separation earlier this week.

They have now revealed that over the years they simply grew apart.

"The separation was entirely mutual," the spokesperson confirmed. "They have been couple for 20 years, and the nature of their relationship simply changed over time."

The estranged couple met while studying at New York University years ago and tied the knot in 2000.

They have a seven-year-old son together called Roman.

Despite the fact they are no longer romantically involved the pair have no immediate plans to start searching for separate houses.

They also confirmed that divorce isn't on the cards yet.

"In the short term they plan on continuing to live together, then gradually transition into a new living situation," a spokesperson for the former couple told Us Weekly. "They have no immediate plans for divorce."

The family had relocated from Los Angeles to the New York City recently as Debra is starring in new series, Smash, which was filmed in the city.

They were seen out as recently as Halloween weekend, when they dressed up in ghoulish costumes and seemed to be happy spending time together.