Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello announce divorce

Hollywood couple Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have announced they are divorcing.

In a statement to US publication Page Six, they said: "We have made the difficult decision to divorce.

"As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives."

Modern Family star Vergara has been married to Manganiello for seven years.

They met at the White House correspondents' dinner in 2014 and married in Florida 18 months later.

The couple don't have any children together, but Vergara has a 31-year-old son from a previous marriage.

Vergara is also familiar to millions as a judge on America's Got Talent, while Manganiello is known for roles in the True Blood series and films including Magic Mike and Spider-Man.

The Colombian-born actress is currently on Italy's Amalfi coast celebrating her 51st birthday with friends.

She appeared in good spirits on Monday, posting pictures of herself on a sun-soaked terrace along with the caption: "Last says of vacay! Even when u r so hot I love u Ravello."