They stepped out in New York last week in an unconvincing show of togetherness.

Now Madonna and Guy Ritchie are planning another staged show of unity this side of the pond, I can report.

The 49-year-old singer, who has publicly denied that her seven-year marriage is on the rocks, has agreed to support her husband on the red carpet at the London premiere of his film RocknRolla.

Staged? Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie put on a show of togetherness at the screening of 'I Am Beacuse We Are' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival in May

And she plans to be with Guy for his 40th birthday on September 10.

Friends last night insisted the arrangement is little more than a publicity stunt and say the couple, who have already divided up some of their assets, are still on the rocks.

But Madonna, who is currently based in America, which she wants to make her permanent home, has agreed to return to London in September for the film launch.

She will also be at Guy’s 40th, expected to be an Irish-themed bash at the couple’s Wiltshire home.

‘They have had quite a few rows over whether Madonna should be at the premiere,’ I’m told.

‘She wanted to stay away because she feels that this movie is about Guy, not her, and she is still reeling from Guy’s behaviour at the Cannes Film Festival.

During the premiere of her movie I Am Because We Are, he refused to speak to the Press, and looked like he didn’t want to be there.

‘Madonna has said she will come, but she won’t be doing any interviews on the red carpet and the night won’t be about her.’

A second source close to Madonna, who embarks on her Sticky And Sweet tour in Cardiff on August 23, confirms: ‘Madonna has rearranged her schedule to attend both Guy’s premiere and his birthday. She will be performing at Wembley on September 11 which will allow her time with Guy and the children for his birthday.

‘During the week of Guy’s premiere, she will be in Germany and Rome but both dates will be via London.

‘Guy expects her to be at the premiere. He has put so much into this project. RocknRolla is actually named after their children Rocco and Lola.’

Meanwhile, Madonna is doing nothing to quash rumours about her budding friendship with American baseball star Alex Rodriguez and is helping him look for a New York apartment.

‘Madonna knows exactly what she is doing when it comes to looking for a bargain – so she’s more than happy to help Alex find a place of his own,’ says my spy.

Let’s just hope it’s not in the same block as Mr and Mrs Ritchie.