Gwyneth Paltrow 'My marriage is not perfect'

Gwyneth Paltrow has admitted her marriage is “not perfect”.

The Iron Man actress married Coldplay singer Chris Martin in 2003 and their busy schedules as successful stars and the pressures of fame mean they have to work hard at their relationship.

“Chris and I have our ups and downs – a long relationship takes a lot of twists and turns,” she said. “We both have a lot going on so we just have to make it work.”

The Oscar-winning actress insists she and the Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall singer keep their marriage on track by being open with each other and being as “normal” as possible.

“I am very happy to support anything that Chris is doing and vice versa. ‘I think the reason it’s worked so far is because we are very open with each other and communicate well,” she added.

“I think in many ways I’m a traditional wife. I believe that I have a responsibility to make a home and protect my family.”

The 38-year-old screen beauty who is also taking her first steps as a singer also revealed the London home she shares with Chris, 34, has a “wonderful garden and a little vegetable patch and a swing”, and she likes nothing more than being in the kitchen.

“My life can be so surreal sometimes to be in the kitchen with things that are routine and mundane make me feel good,” she added.

“I have this thing where I always throw a dishcloth over my shoulder when I cook. Actually, Brad Pitt’s mom taught me that and it’s the best tip anyone’s ever given me.”

Gwyneth was engaged to Brad in the mid-90s and dated him for two-and-half years before they separated in May 1997.