Posh's Pain At Being Separated From David

As speculation over the state of their marriage reaches fever pitch, sources say Victoria and David Beckham have taken drastic action to stop the criticism

- Lily Smith

They’ve been plagued by rumours of marriage troubles for months, and last week Victoria and David Beckham’s seemingly strained relationship was back under the spotlight after a family holiday to Australia.

The pair were rarely photographed together during the trip and went on a string of separate outings with their children – Brooklyn, 19, Romeo, 16, Cruz, 13, and seven-year-old Harper. While former England footballer David, 43, was pictured at the Invictus games with Romeo and Cruz, Posh was snapped at a fitness class and a nail salon with Harper. She was later papped looking downcast on a family trip to the beach, without David.

The photos prompted a wave of comments from fans, who were shocked at how unhappy she looked. One wrote, “There’s so much sadness in her eyes”, while another added, “She looks completely broken. Such a sad woman.”

FORCED & UNNATURAL

Closer has previously reported how Posh has attempted to quash the rumours of marriage problems by putting on a united front with David and their family – but her attempts have seemingly backfired. While she was papped cosying up to David at Cruz’s school sports’ day over the summer, he appeared disinterested; and in September, she and David posed for a Vogue photo shoot, which fans said looked unnatural and forced.

Now sources say that the couple are being advised to create some distance between them in a bid to put an end to the constant barrage of criticism over their 19-year marriage.