Hugh Jackman admits it’s a ‘difficult time’ after announcing split from wife Deborra-Lee after 27 years

Hugh Jackman has spoken up in public for the first time since his split from Deborra-Lee Furness.

Jackman, who has also starred in Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman, was asked about the exact nature of the ‘individual growth’ he intends to pursue by the snapper, and gave a short response.

He said: "It doesn't feel quite right talking about it on the street but I appreciate your thoughts, man."

Then, he could be heard adding: “It’s a difficult time…”

Furness was also recently spotted out and about in New York, just a few days before the announcement of their impending separation.

At the time, the actor didn’t seem to be wearing her wedding ring, as she was photographed getting into a car.

Despite describing their relationship as ‘loving’ and wonderful’, the statement made it clear that they wouldn’t be staying together.

The full statement reads: "We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage.

“Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.

"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority.

“We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.

“We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.

"This is the sole statement either of us will make," the statement concluded

The pair are believed to have met in around 1995, getting married the following year in 1996.

They share two children together, 23-year-old Oscar Jackman and 18-year-old Ava Jackman, who they adopted as young children.

Speaking about that in 2012, Jackman said: “To be clear, Deb and I always wanted to adopt. So that was always in our plan,

“We didn’t know where in the process that would happen but biologically, obviously we tried and it was not happening for us and it is a difficult time.

“We did IVF and Deb had a couple of miscarriages.

“I’ll never forget it, the miscarriage thing — it happens to one in three pregnancies, but it’s very, very rarely talked about."

He added: “It’s almost secretive, so I hope Deb doesn’t mind me bringing it up now.

“It’s a good thing to talk about it. It’s more common, and it is tough.

“There’s a grieving that you have to go through."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.