Simon and Yasmin deny rift

Simon and Yasmin Le Bon have spoken for the first time to deny reports of a rift in their 18-year marriage.

The couple - who have one of the longest romances in showbusiness - insist they are "closer than ever".

The Duran Duran lead singer and his supermodel wife presented a united front on a shopping trip near their home in Richmond yesterday.

Walking arm-in-arm, the couple laughed, joked and at one point pulled close together for a romantic clinch.

Earlier, as Simon unloaded armfuls of Christmas presents for his wife and three daughters Amber, 14, Saffron, 12, and Tallulah, nine, from his car, he laughed off reports that his marriage was in crisis.

He told the Standard: "We are happier than ever - and we're also closer than ever too."

Friends said that while Duran Duran's comeback tour had caused strain due to Le Bon's absence, they were happy and looking forward to their weekend wedding anniversary. Simon, 45, returned to London at the end of last week after spending three months on tour. It had been the longest he had been apart from Yasmin, 39, since the band were at the height of their fame.

After his enforced absence on tour in the USA, Japan and Australia, Le Bon - with the support of his bandmates - has shown his commitment to his family by turning down a £700,000 offer to lead New Year's Eve celebrations in New York.

A friend said: "They have had rows like any other couple. But to say that their marriage is in any kind of crisis is nonsense."