Amanda Abbington on Martin Freeman split: ‘There was no hostility – we just couldn’t live together anymore’

Amanda Abbington has said that there was no ‘hostility’ with Martin Freeman when they decided to end their 16 year relationship.

The Sherlock actress, who split from her co-star earlier this year, thinks that separating was ‘the best’ thing to do as they ‘couldn’t live together anymore’.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Abbington said: “Martin and I remain best friends and love each other, and it was entirely amicable.

“There was no hostility, really, we just said that we couldn’t live together anymore, so we put everything in place, he moved out to a flat in north London, I stayed at home and we’ve started a new chapter.”

She added: “It is sad and it is upsetting, because you think you’re going to be with someone forever, but you either do that or you break up, and we both came to the decision that splitting was best for us.

“We’ve been really lucky to make it such a clean break, especially for the kids.”

The former couple, who star as husband and wife in the new series of Sherlock, are thought to have split back in March.

Freeman only revealed the news this week, telling the Financial Times: “I’m not with Amanda any more.

“It’s very, very amicable — I’ll always love Amanda.”

Abbington thanked fans for their support after the news broke, writing on Twitter: “Hey you lot! Thanks for the beautiful and supportive messages. We are all ok! But thanks.”

Freeman and Abbington met back in 2000 while shooting TV movie Men Only, and are parents to Joe, 10, and Grace, eight.