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Karlien van Jaarsveld posts Bible verse as fans pray to save her marriage

Cape Town – Fans have been flooding social media with religious messages of support since news first broke on Monday night that Afrikaans singer Karlien van Jaarsveld and her husband, Derick Hougaard, would be separating.

The Strictly Come Dancing season 8 winner shocked everyone when she first broke the news on her Facebook page.

Karlien wrote: "For a long time now I’ve been thinking about how, where and when I would make this announcement. It would come out anyway, so I’ve decided to share the news myself. I am divorcing my husband. This is a difficult time for us and I hope that everyone that reads this respects that. Thank you for your love and support."

Karlien and Derick, former Springbok flyhalf, were married for two years and have two children, twins named Daniël and Eliah, together.

On Tuesday morning Karlien posted an Afrikaans motivational image on her Instagram page accompanied by a Bible verse.

The My Hartjie singer quoted 1 Samuel 17 verse 37: "David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee."

Karlien’s fans have been adamant that she should "save her marriage" and that "divorce is not an option".

One of the comments on Karlien’s Facebook announcement with the most likes was written by Linda Brummer. 

Brummer, whose comment had 617 likes, wrote: "Karlien. You can’t be serious!!! Talk it out! The energy it takes to divorce can be plowed back into your marriage. Divorce is terrible!!! Especially with kids!"

Others flooded the 29-year-old singer's page with marital advice, Bible quotes, YouTube video links and even their phone numbers for when she needed someone to talk to.

Derick, who recently made headlines with a health scare after complaining of severe headaches, has yet to make a public comment.

The former rugby player's last social media post was published before news of the split was announced.

Derick posted a photo of Karlien with their two sons and wrote: "When you make a commitment, you build hope. When you keep it, you build trust."

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