1. Mel Gibson

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Known for his long marriage to wife Robyn, which produced several children, and his devout Catholic faith, Gibson was seen as one of the most devoted husbands in Hollywood. Until, that is, he announced their split. Then his relationship with Russian musician Oksana Grigorievna. Then her pregnancy. The couple are now going through a very public and acrimonious split, which this time was not a surprise.

2. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins

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Sarandon and Robbins had been together for an astonishing 23 years when they broke up in 2009. The relationship often drew comments for the fact that Robbins was 12 years younger, yet it produced two sons and seemed rock-solid. I guess it just goes to show that we never know what really goes on in people’s lives.

3. Ronan Keating

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Ronan had always seemed like such a good Catholic boy, so when he was revealed to be a little less squeaky clean than his image suggested, it was quite a surprise. After 12 years of marriage and three children, Ronan was revealed to be playing away with a blonde dancer (oh, what a cliché).

4. Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy

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This might have only been a five year relationship, but it seemed as if they had been together a lot longer. Jim had been a good father figure to Jenny’s autistic son, and they always seemed very happy, so when the two Js announced their split it came as quite a surprise.

5. Al and Tipper Gore

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Now really. If you can make it to 40 years together, surely you can hang on until the bitter end. Recent reports claim that the ex-Vice president Al has been not so saintly as his image suggests (maybe all those years hanging around with Bill Clinton were a bad influence), and the Gores have called it a day.

6. Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry

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Halle and her model boyfriend announced their split a short while ago, which unlike some celeb couples wasn’t expected. So far, they have not resorted to public slanging matches – hopefully they can remain amicable for the sake of their toddler daughter.

*7 Very Strange Celebrity Couples …

7. Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes

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Another marriage that seemed solid, the Winslet-Mendes pairing ended after 7 years of marriage, one child, and one film. Ironically, life reflected art as the film related the break-up of a marriage. Tempting fate …?

8. Madonna and Guy Ritchie

Photo Credit: lemonysarah

This both did and didn’t surprise me. I’m including it in my list because whether you love Madonna or not, there’s no denying that she is someone who likes to be in control, so can’t be the easiest person to live with. Since the couple still managed to make it as far as eight years of marriage, it might have been expected to go the distance.

Which celebrity splits caught you by surprise? Which couples would you have put money on them being together forever?

Top Photo Credit: marie b.