Madonna enjoys dinner date with Ritchie

Madonna and Guy Ritchie have attempted to end speculation about their marriage by putting on a show of unity in New York.

Following weeks of rumours that they are planning to divorce, the couple were spotted looking cosy at an Italian restaurant in the Big Apple on Tuesday night.

"[They looked] like a normal couple that just wanted to have a nice dinner out," an onlooker told People.com. "They looked very unassuming, not like they were looking for attention."

Another witness added: "Everyone was whispering and saying, 'Wow, that was Madonna. She is supposed to be separating from her husband. I can't believe she's here.'"

Their first public appearance in months came shortly after Madonna's publicist spoke out to deny speculation that the couple's marriage is in trouble.

The latest twist in the story may not silence talk about the pair's relationship, however. It was reported at the weekend that Madonna wished to be snapped having a meal with her husband after growing anxious about the leaks. She reportedly wants to keep her divorce plans quiet until November, when her Sticky And Sweet world tour finishes.