Couples in the middle of a divorce have been recommended to try mediation sessions before moving on with the legal process.

Justice minister and Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly pointed out the government has introduced new rules where married pairs need to show they have done this before they will be granted a split, reports Cambridge News.

Last Friday (January 7th) was dubbed Divorce Day as it is said to be the day when couples are most likely to break up.

"By turning to mediation instead of the courts, people can take charge of their own futures and work towards a better outcome for everyone involved," said Mr Djanogly, who described marriage as the "greatest safeguard of our society" although he accepted patching up a relationship is not always possible.

Celebrity couples to have recently announced they are divorcing include actress Zooey Deschanel and singer Ben Gibbard and comedian Russell Brand and pop star Katy Perry.