Guy Ritchie has reportedly banned Madonna from staying at his Wiltshire mansion over Christmas.

The 40-year-old director is said to be planning a family get-together with the pop star and their three children ? Lourdes (12), Rocco (8) and David (3) ? over the festive season but is not comfortable spending the night under the same roof as his former wife.

A source told The Sun: "Guy is desperate to see the children on Christmas Day and was OK with them all spending the day at Ashcombe. He was even willing to have Madonna there and try to be civilised for the sake of the children.

"But having her stay over was just too much. He couldn't bear the thought of her padding round the kitchen next morning like old times ? there are too many sad memories."

However, the insider added that there was no other appropriate place for Madonna to stay in the area, and she was unwilling to change her Christmas plans so close to the time.

The source said: "It's not like she can stay in the B&B up the road. There's nowhere suitable nearby.

"Guy's said he'll do anything she wants, fly to America if need be to spend the day with the kids ? just as long as it doesn't involve him and Madonna spending the night under the same roof.

"But the plan was for the children to come to England and that's what Madonna still wants. It's a mess."