TV hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have said they are “very sad” that their £10 million divorce negotiations have collapsed ahead of a trial in the High Court in November.

A source quoted in The Sun revealed that a lengthy court battle is the last thing the couple wanted, but “they just can’t agree.”

Ms Langsford initiated court proceedings for a so-called “financial remedy” hearing after negotiations broke down.

The case will almost certainly focus on the division of their assets, which include an estimated personal fortune of around £5 million each, as well as their former marital home in Weybridge, Surrey, which will have risen significantly in value since they bought it for £3.6 million in 2014.

When they announced their separation almost two years ago, they said that their careers were taking them in different directions.

However, high-stakes divorce proceedings can often that start amicably can often become acrimonious, particularly if the couple is in the public eye.

As Roger Isaacs, Forensic Partner at Milsted Langdon, explains, “The Holmes and Langsford case demonstrates that the financial aspects of divorce can be every bit as contentious as the emotional issues. Where significant wealth is involved, the court is often required to unravel complex financial arrangements to reach a fair outcome.

“One question that may attract particular interest in this case is how much information about the couple’s finances will become public. Since the introduction of the Family Court’s transparency reforms, accredited journalists and legal bloggers have been given greater access to proceedings.

“However, the Family Court must still balance the principle of open justice against the parties’ rights to privacy, particularly where commercially sensitive information or third parties may be affected.

“In high-value cases, forensic accountants are frequently instructed to help the court understand complex financial structures, trace assets, analyse historic transactions and assess the true value of businesses and investments.

“Family companies can be particularly challenging, as headline figures may bear little resemblance to the underlying value available to the parties. Issues such as future profitability, liquidity, shareholder rights and tax consequences all need careful consideration.

“Whether or not significant details of Holmes and Langsford’s financial affairs ultimately enter the public domain remains to be seen. What is certain is that, where substantial wealth and complex assets are involved, expert forensic evidence can play a crucial role in helping the court reach a fair and informed decision.”