Jennifer Aniston’s ‘birthday breaks his heart

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston shocked the world when they announced the end of their seemingly blissful marriage back in January 2005.

Rumours about Brad’s increasing closeness to his Mr and Mrs Smith co-star Angelina Jolie were doing the rounds, although both he and Jen – who turns 52 today – insisted the split had nothing to do with anyone else.

And in the weeks that followed, friends reportedly believed that the former couple – who were set up on a blind date by their agents – would work things out.

Indeed, both kept their wedding rings on and apparently stunned onlookers by walking hand-in-hand into Los Angeles’ swanky L’Orangerie restaurant weeks after confirming their separation.

A source told The Mirror at the time: “Brad and Jennifer came in giggling and holding hands, they looked totally happy. It was a complete shock.

“It was if the past few weeks hadn’t happened. Over dinner they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.”

Reports claimed they’d turned to marriage counselling, while sources said they’d decided to ‘date’ each other in the hope of reconcilliation.

“They still love each other. The separation is a step back to see if their relationship is going to be forever or if it’s not,” an insider told People that year.

“They’re searching for the answer, which is not an easy one to come up with. They’re still very close.”