From dating, to marriage, to a decade post-divorce, no couple in gossip magazine history has been more discussed than Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

Nothing was bigger news than the pair announcing their split in a joint statement in January 2005. They did so without citing a reason, only dismissing tabloid “speculation” – i.e. that Brad had left Jen for Angelina Jolie.

It concluded with a line that has become oh-so-familiar in celebrity breakup statements: “We happily remain committed and caring friends with great love and admiration for one another.”

But while the glossies would have us believe that Brad and Jen have reunited and expecting a child (oh about 20 times already) the truth is the former lovers are now experiencing a form of that friendship they spoke of.

It just wasn’t as immediate as the pair seemingly hoped.

When it became apparent (thanks to photos of the pair holidaying together) in April 2005 that Brad had fallen in love with his Mr and Mrs Smith co-star, it’s fair to say that the divorcing couple’s friendship took a hit.

It wasn't any strengthened when a few months later Brad and Angelina appeared in a W magazine photoshoot styled as a suburb-dwelling husband and wife with a gaggle of blonde-haired kids.

In September that year, Jen hinted to Vanity Fair how much the spread stung.

"Brad is not mean-spirited; he would never intentionally try to rub something in my face," she told the magazine.

"In hindsight, I can see him going, 'Oh—I can see that that was inconsiderate.' But I know Brad. Brad would say, 'That’s art!' There’s a sensitivity chip that’s missing."

Their relationship was further fractured by Brad's public admission that he had feelings for Angelina while still married to Jen.

"There was stuff printed there that was definitely from a time when I was unaware that it was happening," the Friends actress told Vogue in 2008.

"I felt those details were a little inappropriate to discuss. That stuff about how she couldn't wait to get to work every day? That was really uncool."

These interviews aside, Brad and Jen remained quiet on their split and refused to respond to the numerous suggestions they had reunited.

According to the most reliable media sources, however, they basically severed all contact from each other, saving a few friendly texts.

After Jen's split from husband Justin Theroux in February 2018 a source told People magazine the 50-year-old was unlikely to get back with Brad because... well, they weren't even really friends.

"They haven’t seen each other in ages," the source said.

"For well over a decade now they have lived totally separate lives and so not surprisingly, they have become totally different people than who they once were when they were together."

The source clarified that there wasn't animosity between the two, and they did send each other messages now and then.

"They aren’t in regular contact, beyond an occasional text back and forth to wish each other the best when there’s been a new project or big event."

Fast forward to 2019, however, and Brad Pitt was spotted at Jen's 50th birthday party at the weekend.

So 14 years on from their divorce, is it true that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt are finally friends?

Well, sort of.

People reports that Brad's invite was a considered decision by Jen and came with a more 'for old times' sake' kind of vibe.

"Brad, for long, was a very important part of Jen’s life. She debated back and forth with friends if she should invite him," a source told the magazine.

But according to witnesses, there wasn't any special connection between the pair - they hugged hello and chatted for a bit - but then Jen moved on to other guests and Brad enjoyed the party for a little while longer before heading off.

In other words, it seems Brad and Jen have a friendship that could best be described as polite.