Arnold Schwarzeneggar has admitted to fathering a love child during an affair with a former household staffer but his marriage to Maria Shriver could still be saved, say Christian marriage counsellors.

The couple’s publicist announced their separation after 25 years of marriage in a statement last week in which they said they had made the decision after “a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer”.

“At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship,” they said.

Speaking to The Christian Post, family psychologist Dr Juli Slattery, of Focus on the Family, said that although the Bible permits divorce after infidelity, it does not have to mean this is the only option for couples in this situation.

Where there is genuine repentance and a desire to rebuild trust, a relationship can be reconciled, she says.

“A lot of times in the church, because the Bible allows for divorce after infidelity, we think that means there has to be a divorce after infidelity and that’s not true,” she said.

“If the person is really willing to rebuild trust, [then] especially from a Christian perspective, I do believe that God calls us to show a kind of forgiveness and unconditional love.”

The 63-year-old “Terminator” actor came clean about the affair, reportedly with former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena, after finishing his second term as governor of California.

He said: “I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family.”

Miss Shriver, 55, said: “This is a painful and heartbreaking time. As a mother my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal.”

Jay Laffoon, a marriage counsellor with Celebrate Ministries, suggested there was still hope for the marriage.

He told The Christian Post: “You really have to set aside time to work on your marriage, maintain your marriage and when you do, the benefits are huge.”