Despite reports of a reconciliation, Ronan and Yvonne Keating have issued a statement from Ireland confirming their marraige is over.

Their publicist said the May 20 announcement they were separated remained true.

The couple, who will now spend over three months on opposite ends of the globe – Yvonne at home with their children in Malahide and Ronan Keating in Australia – asked their publicist to issue another statement this weekend reiterating that their separation still stands.

It read ‘On May 20, 2010, Ronan and Yvonne Keating issued the following statement, “With great sadness Ronan and Yvonne Keating today announce their separation. The separation is amicable and they will continue to work together in order to provide the best for their children. The family ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

It added: ‘The situation as outlined in that statement remains the same and the couple continue to work together for their children.’

In their statement this they also asked for privacy for the sake of their children. It read: ‘The children are now preparing to go back to school. Any inaccurate reporting could be particularly damaging to the children’s welfare.’

Yvonne and the children will stay in the family home while Ronan has rented a batchelor apartment in the Casino complex near Malahide village. Ronan will be returning to Australia soon for the X Factor live shows.

Meanwhile in a pre-recorded interview with Australia’s Channel 7 ahead of the X Factor, Ronan explained about the media coverage of his marriage breakdown: ‘I got a hammering, these things happen, are to be expected. I was delighted to come down here to Australia.’

Keating made no mention of the separation on twitter, instead tweeting about the X Factor.

“Just watched First Ep of X factor. Loved it. Can’t wait for next Show. X”

Keating was the big international signing for the controversial Australian production in May, but within days his marriage was in strife after revelations he’d had an affair with a dancer. This came just weeks after their 12th wedding anniversary.

But their marriage appeared to be mending in June and July when she and their three children joined him in Australia for three weeks.

It has been dubbed ‘the curse of The X Factor‘. Following news of Keating’s infidelity, fellow judge Kyle Sandilands revealed he had separated from Tamara Jaber. Then came rumours of “diva behaviour” by Natalie Imbruglia and finally troubled host Matthew Newton lost his gig on the show and was flown back from Dublin to enter rehab.