Madonna will stay in London following her divorce from film director Guy Ritchie, according to reports.

The singer, who confirmed that she is to divorce last week, had widely been expected to return to New York with her children.

However, Ritchie is apparently keen for the children - Lourdes, 12, Rocco, 7, and two-year-old David Banda – to remain in the UK so he can keep frequent contact.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “Everyone expected Madonna to up sticks and go and live in New York - taking the children with her.

"But despite some of the unhappy memories that London holds, she still feels that it's the best base for the kids.

"They are very happy at their school and she doesn't want anything to interfere with that.”

According to the unnamed source, London still has a “massive hold” on the singer.

Neither Madonna nor Ritchie have spoken about their divorce since it was confirmed in a joint statement last week.

(by Jason Gregory)