Sherlock stars Martin Freeman and Amanda Abbington have ended their relationship after 16 years together.

The actors, who will appear in the BBC show's forthcoming fourth series, have two children together.

According to the Financial Times, Freeman said: "I'm not with Amanda any more.

"It's very, very amicable - I'll always love Amanda."

The Telegraph quoted Abbington as saying they had had an an "entirely amicable" separation

Freeman, 45, and Abbington, 42, met in 2000 on the set of their film Men Only and, as well as Sherlock, they have appeared in a handful of other TV and movie productions together including The Good Night and The Robinsons.

They have kept their private life largely out of the public eye but have made occasional red carpet appearances together over the years.

This week Freeman and Abbington were together with other cast members at an event to promote the New Year's Day episode of Sherlock.

The new series sees their characters - John and Mary Watson - introduce their baby daughter, Rosamund Mary Watson.

A BBC spokesman said the corporation does not comment on the personal lives of its stars.