Madonna has agreed to pay her former husband, film director Guy Ritchie, nearly £50million as part of their divorce settlement.

The figure, one of the largest payouts in divorce history, includes the couple's Ashcombe home in England.

Madonna's publicist Liz Rosenberg refused to elaborate on specific details, including custody of the couple's children, but confirmed that the settlement was between £39-46million.

The couple officially divorced last month after nearly eight years together. A sworn statement revealed Madonna had filed for divorce on the grounds of Ritchie's unreasonable behaviour.

Her petition said Ritchie's behaviour was continuing and that they had not lived at the same address for six months.

Neither Madonna nor Ritchie have spoken publicly about about the end of their marriage.

Madonna is currently performing on her 27-date Sticky & Sweet world tour.

(by Jason Gregory)