Heidi Klum and Seal have confirmed they are separating.

Rumours began to swirl that the couple were experiencing difficulties on Saturday, with TMZ reporting Heidi will file for divorce this week.

The couple have been married for nearly seven years and have now announced they are going their separate ways.

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate," the model told People in a statement.

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition.

"We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

Heidi and her musician spouse raise four children together, Leni, seven, Henry, six, five-year-old Johan and Lou, two. Leni is Heidi's child with Flavio Briatore.

Over the weekend it was widely reported that the pair have been experiencing problems for some time. There were suggestions that Seal has been partying more than usual, which Heidi has found difficult to cope with.

British newspaper The Sun claims they have not been together properly for some time.

"The marriage ended months ago in reality. They rarely saw each other and it wouldn't be unusual for them to go months without spending any real quality time together. Ships that pass in the night would be an overstatement," a source told the publication. On Friday Seal posted a message saying, "The End," on Twitter, next to a tattoo of a pair of wings. It's thought to be a reference to Heidi's former role as a Victoria's Secret Angel.

The pair were widely regarded as one of the strongest couples in Hollywood, and were famed for renewing their wedding vows with a big party each year.