Russell, Katy split leads worst week for marriages

Russell Brand and Katy Perry split up ahead of the worst week of the year for marriages.

The 'Arthur' star and the 'Firework' singer - who announced their plans to divorce on 30.12.11 - are among the first of what is expected to be a huge number of couples who will call time on their marriages this week, according to extra-marital dating website IllicitEncounters.com.

Illicit Encounters spokesperson Rosie Freeman-Jones said: "Russell Brand and Katy Perry are the archetypal example of the January blues break-up.

"Marriages are often stretched to breaking point over the festive period and thousands of unhappily married people look for a new partner or a way out. The first weeks of January offers them a chance to escape from the trappings of a familial Christmas and the claustrophobia that accompanies it.

"The first week of the New Year is when unhappily married couples finally escape from their cooped-up family homes. As a result, there is a record amount of internet activity at this time from married people looking for a way out. It usually peaks on the 4th of January, which is typically one of the first days back to work."

Speaking after he filed divorce papers in Los Angeles citing "irreconcilable differences", Russell said: "Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."

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