Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow had been secretly separated for a year before they announced their split.
The former couple -who have children Apple and Moses together – announced their break-up after 10 years of marriage in March 2014 but Gwyneth has revealed that they had actually ended their relationship 12 months previously.
She told YOU Magazine: "Chris and I had already been separated for a year before we announced it."
And Gwyneth insisted that although it has been difficult they are "better off as friends".
She said: "It wasn’t always easy, because you have good days and bad days.
"Some days during the process it was really tough to maintain the love and forgiveness and acceptance.
"I think we are better as friends. We are very close and supportive of one another and we co-parent well."
Indeed, Gwyneth believes she and Chris communicate better than ever since their split.
She said: "Good communication is key to a healthy marriage. Chris and I learned that after the fact. You have to have really candid, vulnerable, mature communication. We communicate much better now.
"Of course, there are days when you have difficult feelings, but with time it is fine. I really want Chris to be happy."
Gwyneth Paltrow’s secret split
