Pitt and Aniston still friends

Brad Pitt has told his family he is still good friends with Jennifer Aniston - despite their recent marriage split.

The Hollywood heartthrob, who married the former 'Friends' beauty in July 2000, revealed to those closest to him that he and his estranged wife are still very close to each and will always remain so.

A source said: "He emphasised that they were in a good place. They still really care about each other."

Friends also slammed claims that Brad's friendship with his 'Mr and Mrs' co-star Angelina Jolie had contributed to the breakdown of his marriage.

One said: "Brad doesn't stray."

Yesterday (10.01.05), it was alleged that Brad and Jennifer's marriage imploded after Jennifer caught him having phone sex with Angelina.

Britain's News of the World newspaper claims that Jennifer went "ballistic" when she heard her husband having steamy conversations with the Oscar-winning beauty and the couple decided their four-year-old marriage was over.

A source told the paper: "Jennifer listened in on the conversation but I don't know if she accidentally picked up the other phone or deliberately did that. Either way, she went ballistic.

"When she confronted Brad about it, he wasn't going to take it any more. He realised it was the end of the line for the marriage and he told Jennifer as much."

Speculation was also rife that the couple had huge arguments over their desire to start a family as Brad, 41, was keen to have children while Jennifer, 35, was said to be reluctant as she wanted to concentrate on her movie career.

Last Friday (07.01.05), the couple announced they were separating, after "much thoughtful consideration", but insisted they remained "caring and committed friends".