Alex Reid is maintaining "a dignified silence" about the troubles in his marriage to Brighton-born Katie Price, a spokesman for the cage-fighter said.

A statement released on the 35-year-old's behalf said that Alex “regrets that, despite the efforts he has made, there is a realistic prospect that the relationship may come to an end”.

It said that he had not "spoken to the press about the problems surrounding his marriage, and does not wish to do so until such time that everything has been brought to a proper conclusion."

The statement came as Katie, 32, defended partying with polo players in the Klosters ski resort in Switzerland days after announcing her split.

She said she was putting her children ahead of any future romance, writing on Twitter: “Let off steam Friday after weeks of tension. Need to improve my dancing! All harmless and the only man for me is [my son] Junior. Family time now.”

Alex's statement said that the reasons that his marriage to Katie had become "strained" had not been accurately reported.

The statement added: "Alex believes the public will see beyond the recent smear campaign and hopes to be able to speak about some of the issues at a time when it is appropriate to do so.

“Given the fact there are children involved who Alex cares deeply about, Alex hopes that people will respect his privacy at this difficult time.”

The statement, released on the cage-fighter's behalf by Nabeel Sheikh, senior partner at law firm Neumans LLP, said: “Despite numerous substantial offers of money, Alex made a decision to maintain a dignified silence and has not spoken to the press about the problems surrounding his marriage, and does not wish to do so until such time that everything has been brought to a proper conclusion.”