Exclusive: Millionaire DJ Norman Cook wants to save his marriage to radio star Zoe Ball.

The Hove-based star, aka Fatboy Slim, poured his heart out to The Argus after a sell-out concert at the Concorde 2 in Brighton.

The couple, considered to have one of the strongest relationships in show business, are going through a trial separation following difficulties in their three-year marriage.

Despite the marital strain, Norman was all smiles during a two-hour performance at his spiritual home, the Big Beat Boutique, last night.

Afterwards he admitted it was one of the worst days of his life and sent a heartfelt message to Zoe: "I love you."

Zoe's agent Vivienne Clore said the couple were separating amicably to give themselves "a bit of time and breathing space."

She said the welfare of their two-year-old son Woody was paramount and he would spend time with both parents.

She stressed the separation did not mean a definite end to the marriage and the couple just needed time apart.

Zoe, 32, and Norman, 39, were at their home in Hove this afternoon and told national newspaper reporters, via the intercom, they would not say anything further.

Ms Clore said: "They have split for now. It is very amicable and they just want a bit of time to have a bit of breathing space. Woody is much loved by both of them and his welfare is paramount."

Asked what caused the marital breakdown, she said: "No one ever knows what causes these problems."

Former Radio 1 presenter Zoe is likely to stay in the north London home she already uses four days a week when she works for radio station XFM.

Norman will stay in Hove, where he is working on a new album. Earlier this month, we revealed Norman got into hot water with Zoe after submitting a defaced wedding invitation for a charity art exhibition.

He wrote, as a joke, "I give it six months" on the invite from his 1999 wedding.

Before taking the stage last night, Norman spoke to reporters, through the intercom at his home.

He said: "We have had four years of bliss and this is our first wobble, this is really our first major problem.

"There is no one else involved, I can assure you of that.

"Zoe and I are in the house with Woody and we are going to be spending the weekend together.

"We just want to be left alone and to have some peace and quiet.

"Our parents know the situation and they are being very supportive. Woody is absolutely fine."

Zoe's friend and PA Emma Coquet added: "They have their difficulties but they are determined to sort out their marriage.

"They want to stay together for the sake of themselves and Woody and they are doing everything they can to work things out."