Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas Taking Time Apart: What Could Have Caused The Cracks?

Actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have been confirmed to be taking some time apart so they can figure out what's going on in their marriage. A publicist's statement, via BBC News, said that the couple had taken the decision to take a break to "evaluate and work on their marriage."

Michael & Catherine Aren't Even In The Same Country At The Moment.

The past year has clearly taken its toll on the couple, who have been married for 13 years, after Douglas battled with throat cancer (now in remission) that he blamed on oral sex, Catherine was announced to be suffering with Bipolar II disorder and Michael's son, Cameron, from a previous marriage was incarcerated on drugs charges. A source speaking to People emphasised "The stress has taken a toll on their marriage."

Could Catherine's Mental Health Be A Factor In Their Break?

The pair met at the Deauville Film Festival in France in 1998 where Douglas famously introduced himself by saying "I'd like to father your children." Indeed, after the couple's Manhattan marriage in 2000, Michael's wishes came true when Catherine became pregnant with now 13 year-old Dylan, then daughter Carys Zeta in 2003.

Will The Couple Work Out Their Issues Or Will The Split be For Good?

Catherine, 43, and Michael, 68, have not contacted their lawyers to begin a divorce process but if they do split for good, their pre-nuptial agreement means that Zeta Jones is entitled to £1 million for every year that they've been married after Douglas had to pay his ex-wife Diandra £44 million for the 23 years they were together.

Speaking to the Mirror earlier this month, Michael indicated that his relationship with Diandra had stagnated much earlier than when they final chose to divorce; a mistake he'd not like to make again. "We should have ended that marriage eight or 10 years earlier," he stated. "It took me too long to realise that if you go to a marriage counsellor to resolve problems, it's in his interest to keep the marriage going."

Will We See The Couple Looking This Happy Together Again?

However, the Behind The Candelabra actor has spoken of his relationship with Catherine, as well as their two children together, as like a fresh lease of life, describing it as "a second chance to have a family." Both of the couple are still active in their careers, with Catherine appearing in Red 2 alongside Bruce Willis and Michael's Liberace biopic receiving rave reviews and lamentation that the TV movie will never be considered for an Oscar.

Catherine Is Taking Care Of Their Children In NY, Michael's In Sardinia.

Douglas is currently holidaying solo in Sardinia on a yacht whilst his wife is in New York looking after their children; thousands of miles apart. After Michael returned home from Cannes, they made the decision to take a break, with rumours reaching a fevered high when he was spotted playing golf on his own in Italy - a past-time both actors enjoy.

It is not known what issue in particular make have caused the cracks in their marriage to become a concern but with such a vexatious past year, it's hardly surprising they'd need to make time to focus on themselves.