[MaryJane]

SIR Paul McCartney has demanded a trial separation from his wife Heather.

The couple have been apart for three weeks after a series of rows and the former Beatle now wants a break.

Last night her spokesman refused to deny they were splitting and Macca’s agent would not comment. It is believed that McCartney, 63, is preparing to break the news of the temporary split to family and friends in the next few days.

A pal of the pop legend said last night: “Paul hasn’t taken this decision without a lot of thought. He believes it’s the best thing at the moment. He hasn’t given up on his marriage — it’s just that they need some space.”

Ex-model Heather, 38, admitted last week that the pair had suffered “ups and downs” but insisted their marriage was not over.
She told friends they had argued but that was normal for all couples.

Multi-millionaire Sir Paul last week cut a lonely figure as he travelled near Monaco.
He was pictured drinking alone in a bar and walking around gloomily talking into his mobile phone.

Macca’s friend said: “Things between Heather and Paul aren’t necessarily over for good. They still care a lot for each other but have some serious thinking to do about their future.”

Meanwhile, Heather stayed with their daughter Beatrice, two, at their mansion in Hove, East Sussex.

If they do split up permanently Heather would stand to pick up around £200million of Sir Paul’s £800million fortune as the couple have no prenuptial agreement.

The four-year marriage has been stormy. Many of the ex-Beatle’s pals secretly suspected it would never last.
Macca has often been on the receiving end of his wife’s fiery temper.
Friends of the pair have said that Heather struggles to cope with her husband’s worldwide fame.

Sir Paul’s lengthy separation from Heather is in stark contrast to his former marriage to Linda, who died in 1998.
The couple barely spent a night apart in 30 years.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006220570,00.html