AFTER seemingly endless speculation, Leon Lai and Gaile Lok have officially announced the end of their four-year marriage.

After a recent photo controversy involving Lok, the couple’s management company released a statement Oct. 3, saying: “We, Paciwood Music & Entertainment Limited, on behalf of our artists, Ms. Gaile Lok and Mr. Leon Lai, wish to announce to the public that although they have had many great moments together and still care for each other, they have irreconcilable differences.”

“After careful consideration, both parties have decided to end the marriage. During this difficult time, we hope the public will respect their privacy, allowing them to quickly start their new lives and focus on their work.”

The statement ended with, “On behalf of Ms. Lok and Mr. Lai, we express our heartfelt thanks to the media for their support and love.”

The statement also pleaded that the public respect the divorced couple’s privacy.

Lai, 45, also spoke to media, saying, “People change under changing circumstances. That is all I will say.”

Lok’s manager Joe Chan expressed his regret that the two had parted, but repected their decision. “Now hopefully the speculation about their personal lives will stop,” said Chan.

The couple met in 2005 and despite a personality clash between the fashion model Lok and the more reserved Lai, they eloped to Las Vegas in 2008 — around a year later, media learned of their marriage. However, rumors of the couple’s imminent divorce have been the talk of the Internet since July 2011 — with both stars firmly denying any problems, up till now.

Lai’s manager denies any third party involvement as the cause of their separation. (SD-Agencies)