AceShowbiz -

A friend of LeAnn Rimes has shared the news with People that the actress-singer and her husband Dean Sheremet are no longer living together. "Le and Dean have been separated for quite some time now, but they're continuing to try and work through their relationship," says the friend.

Claim of the pair's separation adds fuel to the long persistent speculation that Rimes has cheated on Sheremet with actor Eddie Cibrian, her co-star in TV movie "Northern Lights". Notwithstanding the suspicion, no comment has been made just yet by Rimes on the nature of her marriage with Sheremet, her husband of more than 7 years.

LeAnn Rimes has become the subject of media headlines ever since report emerged in March this year that she has an affair with Eddie Cibrian. At that time, US Weekly made public a video that allegedly showed the two holding hands and kissing at Mosun and Club M in Laguna Beach, California.

Admitting that she and Sheremet were going through "a difficult time", Rimes however quashed the affair speculation. Hot on the heels of the affair accusation, she and Sheremet were even photographed sharing passionate kiss as if to show the world that they were still very much together.

Cibrian himself also denied he's dating Rimes, insisting "It is a fabricated story that is using random snapshots as connective tissue to create a scandalous relationship." However, in an interview with the latest issue of US Weekly, his wife Brandi Glanville confirmed she has left the actor over affair. "Eddie and I have decided to take some time apart," the magazine quoted her as stating. "I want to do what is best for our children. Eddie and LeAnn [Rimes] deserve each other."