Colin Firth, wife had briefly split up in 2015London, March 10 (AZINS) Actor Colin Firth and his wife Livia Giuggioli have announced that they briefly split in 2015 after her alleged stalker claimed they had had an affair.

The "Bridget Jones's Diary" star Firth and his spouse have had to make the announcement after it became public knowledge they were involved in a police investigation because Marco Brancaccia -- whom Giuggioli reportedly had an affair with around that time -- had allegedly began stalking her.

The couple's representative issued a statement to The Times newspaper, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"A few years ago Colin and Livia privately made the decision to separate.

"During that time, Livia briefly became involved with former friend Mr Brancaccia. The Firths have since reunited. Subsequently, Mr Brancaccia carried out a frightening campaign of harassment over several months, much of which is documented. For obvious reasons, the Firths have never had any desire to make this matter public," the representative added.

The two got married in 1997 and have two children Luca, 16, and Matteo, 14.