Welsh opera star Bryn Terfel has split from his wife of 25 years.

The singer separated from his childhood sweetheart Lesley, the mother of his three sons, shortly before Christmas (Dec12).

Terfel's manager Doreen O'Neill confirmed the news in a statement: "They are separated and they just want, for the sake of the children, to keep things quiet. Bryn told me before Christmas that they had separated. I do not know the reason for their separation. He didn't tell me and I didn't ask the question... Bryn is a very private man... Of course he will continue to provide for them (his sons) and for Lesley."

The couple married in 1987.