CATHERINE & MICHAEL'S $500 MILLION DIVORCE SCANDAL

Catherine Zeta-Jones has taken her first big steps towards an independent future from husband Michael Douglas, with sources believing her move all but confirms an epic $500m divorce is on the horizon.

“Their marriage is effectively over,” reveals a long-time friend, who adds they have been living separate lives “for years now”.

The Chicago actress announced last week that she’s re-launching her business Casa Zeta-Jones. While Catherine already designs bed linen under this name, she decided to expand her offerings, and will sell items such as vegan shoes and traditional Welsh love spoons.

Inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, friends say it’s a brilliant plan because it gives her something to focus on should the divorce goes through. “She’s lonely as hell,” says the friend.

Indeed, with the couple’s children Dylan, 19, and Carys, 17, grown and focused on their own lives, Catherine is finding “there’s not much in common with Michael”, continues the source.