Beyonce and Jay Z have silently split on numerous occasions

Beyonce and Jay Z have endured numerous "silent separations", her cousin has claimed.

The 34-year-old singer fuelled speculation her husband had cheated on her with the lyrics to her new visual album ‘Lemonade’, which appeared to reference infidelity, and actress Shanica Knowles claims her relative hopes the tell-all record will save her marriage.

Shanica said: "Beyonce has been encouraged to write about the affair rumours to help her deal with it all and help her determine whether she could work through everything or have to end the marriage.

"This has been a long process and I’ve heard they’ve had to deal with silent separations and splits over the past few years, but Bey is praying this album will actually save her marriage."

However, Shanica insists Beyonce – who has four-year-old daughter Blue Ivy with the rapper – and her spouse have a tricky few months ahead now all eyes are on their relationship.

She added: "She’s been through the intense anger and I think she’s now learning to forgive Jay.

"The next few months are going to be the test – this is make or break for the, – but he’s determined to do everything she can to make it work."

Despite the controversial lyrics, Beyonce praised her "beautiful husband" at the first show of her ‘Formation’ world tour last week, and though fans speculated that proved the couple’s eight-year marriage is back on track, Shanica admits their family are not convinced.

She told Britain’s heat magazine: "Everyone is still very protective of Bey. She’s trying to put a brave face on things but she may not be able to get over this.

"Despite doing everything in her power to make it work, this could backfire. She’s admitted that she still may end up divorcing him.

"It’s up to Jay to continue fighting for her and prove that he’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep his wife."