FORGET Cheryl and Ashley, Madonna and Guy, or even Paul and Heather.

If you’re looking for an example of an awkward, uber-acrimonious celebrity split, look no further than Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.

The once loved-up couple announced the end of their seven year marriage last week and are at war over who should quit an upcoming reality TV talent show they both signed up for.

Media mogul Simon Fuller wanted the pair to front Latino-targeted Q’Viva! The Chosen.

Officially it’s still all systems go, but I hear Simon Cowell’s nemesis will have to rethink the format – and it’s JLO being tipped as most likely to pull out. I’m told: “Simon has been assured Marc and Jennifer are both professional enough to put on a good show regardless of any personal problems they may be having.

“But behind the scenes it’s a very different story. They are barely on speaking terms, and only converse to talk about their children.

“The split is far from amicable although they do hope to be friends in the future.

“The idea was for the couple, along with choreographer Jamie King, to tour 21 countries scouting for fresh Latino talent, but obviously, the last thing either of them feels like doing right now is touring together.

“Jennifer has been brilliant on Simon’s other pet project, American Idol, so the feeling is she will leave Marc to do Q’Viva!

“The only other option is that Marc and Jennifer still do it but travel separately, and have Jamie sit between them on the judging panel.

“Things could get very awkward.”

If Jennifer does quit the series – which is due to start filming in two months – Mariah Carey is being tipped to fill her shoes.

JLO and Marc, mum and dad of twins Max and Emme, would have toured the world looking for new singers, dancers and performers.

Speaking at the time of the show being announced, JLO, 41, said. “We are going to places where all of this talent lives and wouldn’t have otherwise been discovered.