Zooey Deschanel splits from husband Ben Gibbard

Zooey Deschanel has split from her husband Ben Gibbard.

The 31-year-old actress, who married the frontman for indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie two years ago, has decided to call time on her marriage, a representative has confirmed to US Weekly magazine.

A source said: "It was mutual and amicable. There was no third party involved."

Ben, who also fronts the band She and Him with Zooey, said in September he thought of his wife as "very beautiful".

He revealed: "I'd seen her movies and obviously I thought she was very beautiful. [When we were introduced] I was awestruck that she was even talking to me!"

Zooey - who is a model for make-up brand Rimmel and is known for roles in films including Yes Man and (500) Days of Summer - previously said she enjoyed marriage as it makes a relationship more concrete.

She said: "You can't expect to make no effort. You still have to make the effort and be kind and understanding. It sort of just solidifies your commitment."