Davina McCall announces separation from husband of 17 years Matthew Robertson

TV presenter favourite Davina McCall has confirmed her seperation from her husband of 17 years, Matthew Robertson.

The mum-of-three, who has previously described her husband as the love of her life, made the sad announcement to MailOnline, saying: 'I am very sad to say that Matthew and I have separated.'

'Our amazing children are our number one priority, above everything else so therefore we ask for as much space and respect from the media as possible while our family goes through this difficult time.'

Davina and husband, Matthew

News of the couple's split came shortly after the 50-year-old posted a cryptic quote on her Instagram, admitting that she had made 'mistakes' in her life.

The image read: 'Every morning we get a chance to be different. A chance to change. A chance to be better. Your past is your past. Leave it there. Get on with the future part.'

Sharing the post with her 739k followers, Davina wrote in the caption: 'Thank you @kayla_itsines for this.

'I really know about this one... I have made so many mistakes in my life ... but there is always a new day.'

Fans were quick to send the star messages of support, with one writing: 'Sending you lots of love Davina you are such an inspiration to me and so many other women.'

Another agreed: 'No one knows what happens behind closed doors. Especially when you are the celebrity lime light. At the end of the day we are all human and you have your family, children and friends around you to help you through this. X'.

'Heartbreaking news today, my heart goes out to you and your beautiful family, stay strong honey,' added a third.

Davina and Matthew on their wedding day in 2000

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show earlier this year, Davina confessed that she and Matthew had attended marriage counselling after a series of arguments, and explained she hoped to help other couples by speaking out about their woes.

On the problems they needed to overcome, she revealed: 'We had the same row. It might have been about different things but it would be about the same thing and it would get to the same point and I thought, "we're never going to get past this particular row…"'

In an earlier interview with women's magazine, Red, Davina explained her technique for couples to talk to each other without the interruptions that lead to arguments.

'You get an egg timer and you each take three minutes to say how you're feeling,' she explained. 'The other person is not allowed to interrupt, to shout, to argue, to get up.

'They just have to sit and listen and try not to think only about what they're going to come back with. Then they get to reply in their three minutes.'

The couple, who married in 2000 and renewed their wedding vows in 2015, have three children, Holly, 16, Tilly 14, and 11-year-old son Chester, together.