The blue celebrity Christmas

The latest trend to emerge among celebrities is not one that the rest of us will be rushing to emulate. Nor can you imagine the general public clamouring to get on to this specific hit list.

In the past few weeks, a significant number of well-known couples have ended their relationships, meaning that some stars could well be in for a lovelorn festive season.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds - generally regarded as one of the most attractive couples ever to share the joys of domesticity - have recently called time on their two-year marriage.

This was an announcement that once again reinforced what we all already knew - good looks don't guarantee longevity in the marriage stakes.

Liz Hurley would be quick to back up this assertion. The model/actress-turned-farmer and endorser of beef jerky (yes, you read that right) and her millionaire husband Arun Nayar have also separated.

At least that way, Hurley can fulfill her true destiny and hook up with Hugh Grant again.

Anna Friel and the Harry Potter actor David Thewlis also join the list, as do Zac Effron and Vanessa Hudgens. So spare a thought for these heartbroken celebrities over the coming weeks, because as John Mayer says: "No one wants to be alone at Christmas."