Are Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis splitting?

As Johnny Depp purchases a new home in Norfolk, rumours that the actor is splitting with his long term partner, Vanessa Paradis, intensify

As Johnny Depp purchases a new home in Norfolk, rumours that the actor is splitting with his long term partner, Vanessa Paradis, are itensifying.

It was confirmed over the weekend that Depp has purchased a new mansion in Norfolk, fuelling rumours that he will be leaving Vanessa Paradis at their home in France.

A source told The Sun: 'Johnny has been after a English country pad for years. He's looked at a number of places but fell in love with the mansion'.

The new property is the biggest indication so far that the Pirates of The Caribbean star is looking to end his 14-year relationship with French actress and model Vanessa Paradis.

Rumours first surfaced that the couple were in trouble back in April 2011 when the French magazine Voici published a picture that appeared to show Depp kissing another woman. She was eventually identified as his publicist Robin Baum.

If the gossip is to be believed, it looks as though one of Hollywood's most long-standing pairings is coming to an end.

'Johnny isn't handling anything well right now,' an insider told The Mail On Sunday. 'Johnny has started reaching out to lawyers, probably to quietly discuss how to get out of the relationship.'

'They're not married but they've been together for years and have kids together so it isn't as easy as just breaking up. Johnny is so talented at acting, but he doesn't seem able to hide how badly things are going right now.'

Another friend of the star said, 'People around him are worried about how Johnny is doing because he and Vanessa seem so fractured right now.'

Johnny, 48, met Vanessa, 39, on set of the Roman Polanski thriller The Ninth Gate back in 1998 and are now parents to 12-year-old Lily Rose and nine-year-old Jack.

Do you think Johnny's new home in Norfolk is an indication the couple are breaking up? Tell us your thoughts in the comments box below...

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