Gary Lineker and wife Danielle are splitting after six years of marriage

They disagreed over starting a family together

BBC Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker is splitting from his wife Danielle after six years of marriage.

A spokesperson has confirmed the split over claims they disagreed about whether to have children together.

Both Gary and Danielle have taken to Twitter today, after a judge granted their 'quickie' divorce, to tell their fans they want to remain friends.

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The 55-year-old face of Walker's crisps first met Welsh model Danielle Bux, 36, on a blind date at an Italian restaurant in 2007.

At the time, OBE winner Gary told The Mirror; 'It's the only blind date I've ever been on. But I was beginning to despair of ever meeting "the one"... my mate told me Danielle was gorgeous but I've seen his "gorgeous" before. So I Googled her and just thought – wow.'

The pair dated in secret for several months and tied the knot at a lavish ceremony in Italy in 2009.

Gary had been married previously, to Michelle Cockayne between 1986 and 2006, and they have four children together - George, 23, Harry, 21, Tobias, 19 and Angus, 17.

The former Virgin air stewardess also has a daughter of her own, Ella, 14, with Coventry City player Adam Willis.

From the beginning of their relationship, there was uncertainly over whether the couple would have a baby together. Gary, former England football captain, told The Times; 'She has a child from a previous relationship and I have four of my own, so we are not sure if we want any more.

'Some weeks it seems like a good idea, other weeks it doesn't. When we are on a plane and we hear screaming babies, it definitely doesn't... '

Danielle also dated Scottish rugby player Simon Danielli before being introduced to Gary in 2007.

A spokesperson added; 'They remain the greatest of friends and wish each other every happiness... they made a great couple but their different views on having children is what made them realise they had to split.'

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