Nigella Lawson is reportedly planning to divorce her husband after he was recently photographed attacking her in public.
In pictures published last Sunday (16.06.13) and taken on June 9, Charles Saatchi was seen with his hands around the throat of the TV chef - and he since accepted a police caution for assault.
Now an aide close to her revealed Nigella is preparing for a split with neither party making an attempt to "save the marriage".
The source told the Sunday People newspaper: "Her heart is bleeding right now. She wants out.
"Neither her nor Charles are interested in counselling or trying to save the marriage. It seems they're done and she is broken and desolate."
It is expected proceedings would be finalised in two years, and a friend suggested the end to the relationship would come as a "relief".
The insider revealed: "The marriage has been under strain for some time but the choking incident was the end.
"If anything it is a relief for her that it could all be over very soon. There's a sense she has already moved on in her own head.
"Rather than dwelling on the past she is already thinking about life without him."
It has also been reported Nigella has turned to 'Spooks' star Paul Rhys for support.
Both of the stars have lost partners to cancer and it is said they can "relate" to each other.
A friend said: "Paul can relate to Nigella in a way only someone who has experience bereavement can.
"They get each other completely. He is a tower of strength to her on occasions."
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