One of the most tempestuous, famous and long-running romantic relationships in show business has come to an end – Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are no more.

The duo have been staples of a host of The Muppets TV shows and movies, with their tempestuous relationship - often characterised by bouts of ferocious jealousy and dramatic conflict - at the heart of the adventures of the Muppets.

Cynics may point to the fact that that the news comes just one month before a new show from The Muppets airs in the US.

Kermit tweeted a statement earlier this evening, and Miss Piggy followed shortly after.

"Our personal lives are now distinct and separate, and we will be seeing other people, pigs, frogs, et al," it read.

"After careful thought, thoughtful consideration and considerable squabbling, Miss Piggy made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship. We will continue to work together on television (“The Muppets”/Tuesdays 8pm this fall on ABC) and in all media now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, throughout the universe. However, our personal lives are now distinct and separate, and we will be seeing other people, pigs, frogs, et al. This is our only comment on this private matter. Thank you for your understanding."

Here is the official statement from @RealMissPiggy and myself regarding our relationship: pic.twitter.com/uHCSsokqWR

— Kermit the Frog (@KermitTheFrog) August 4, 2015

Here is the official statement on @KermitTheFrog and moi's relationship termination: pic.twitter.com/0OAdorFV6S

— Miss Piggy (@RealMissPiggy) August 4, 2015