During the various mental crises Hergé experienced at the time, a split occurred, and in 1956, Hergé began a affair with the young Fanny Vlamynck (born in 1934) who worked at his studio. It took him a further 4 years to leave Germaine and 17 years to actually divorce her. As long as they lived, Hergé and Germaine continued to share their villa in Céroux-Mousty, staying there at separate times.