SPLIT: Russell Brand Files For Divorce From Katy Perry

Russell Brand will start out 2012 a new man — a single man, that is. The British actor/comedian filed for divorce from mega pop star Katy Perry on Friday, citing the usual "irreconcilable differences."

Brand, 36, said he and his soon-to-be ex-wife, 27, will keep in touch. “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage,” he said in a statement. “I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends.”

The news comes at the end of a month heavy with rumors. While on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Brand invoked his marital vow and tried to dispel talk that there was trouble in paradise. “I’m married to Katy perpetually. ‘Until death do us part’ was the pledge. I’m still alive,” he said.