left fans shocked last week when he revealed that he and his wife Mindy were going their separate ways. The couple had been together for 28 years, 23 of those married, and they share two daughters, Isabella and Willow.

Richard, 55, hasn't dived into details about the reason behind the split but shared as part of an emotional statement: "We will always be in each other's lives and are proud of the family we created."

He also requested privacy, adding: "We won't be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With Love, Richard and Mindy."

In light of the separation, relationship therapist Sofie Roos, from Passionerad, has offered her insights on how the pair could amicably navigate this challenging new phase. She advised: "They have a lot of history as well as two children together, so for not turning this dirty, they need to maintain great contact, and stay connected as Richard says they've been so good at during the years."

Sofie believes this approach could help them forge a strong, beautiful bond different from what they had before.

She also stressed the importance of discussing "what's been good and what's been difficult", so that they can move on with no unanswered questions. Additionally, the therapist suggests believes the pair should give each other space while still checking in occasionally to see how the other is doing.

Richard has previously referred to Mindy as his "soulmate and best friend", with whom he had an instant connection. He also credited her with helping to save his life after a near-fatal high-speed crash while filming Top Gear in 2006.

When Mindy was told that Richard's life-threatening head injuries might be fatal, she screamed at his bedside, and he subsequently woke up. He said on his DriveTribe YouTube channel: "Apparently she roared and screamed and swore at me 'don't you dare die'.

"And that's when I turned back from this tree in my dream. And that's when I woke."

Sofie added: "When sharing and getting through experiences like that, you create a bond that's sustainable even through a break up."

"And, even though it can take some time to find a way to relate to the fact that not being married anymore, I'm sure they will get to it one day."