Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog announce split

Arguably the most high profile celebrity couple of the last 40 years is no more: Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy have "terminated their romantic relationship", the pair have announced.

Kermit and Miss Piggy announced their split in joint statements on Facebook, bringing to an end a sparkling Hollywood partnership that started in 1976, when they met on the set of Jim Henson's masterpiece, The Muppet Show.

The pair have become cultural touchstones for many fans worldwide. Credit: Reuters

Miss Piggy, who some see as a feminist icon for refusing to adopt Frog's surname or the title 'Mrs', said:

Kermit's statement on the uncoupling echoed Miss Piggy's, saying that their personal lives are now "distinct and separate" from each other:

It's hoped that the pair will be able to continue their professional showbiz relationship for ABC's revival of The Muppets - starting in September - that will follow the much-loved characters behind the scenes of Miss Piggy's new late night show in a 'mockumentary' manner, according to Variety.

The Muppets in all their glory will return to screens in September. Credit: Reuters

It's not been a good few weeks for celebrity romances. Hollywood has seen the demise of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announcing their divorce and singer Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale splitting earlier this week.

Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith were also forced to shut down rumours about a looming divorce.

The Muppets, a collection of loveable puppet characters created by Jim Henson and his Creature Shop in the 1950s and now owned by Disney, are a cornerstone in US popular culture and have had a significant impact worldwide.