Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux SPLIT after just two & a half years of marriage

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have split after just two and a half years of marriage.

The decision to go their separate ways 'was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year', according to a statement released on Thursday through Jennifer's publicist.

The 49-year-old Friends star became engaged to the Leftovers actor, 46, in August 2012, and they married in a surprise ceremony at their LA home on August 5, 2015.

The couple's statement says they would have handled their separation privately, but they wanted to counter tabloid speculation and 'convey the truth directly.'

Full statement from Aniston and  Theroux on separation 

'In an effort to reduce any further speculation, we have decided to announce our separation. This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship. Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly. Whatever else is printed about us that is not directly from us, is someone else's fictional narrative. Above all, we are determined to maintain the deep respect and love that we have for one another.'

via spokesman Stephen Huvane