The engine and transmission are controlled by control modules. There is a technical service bulletin for broken transmission input shafts (what the torque converter sits on) and a software update to stop this happening. Yours maybe up to date but not likely if you have had gearbox faults as like booke23 said it's an ok box normally. You need to go to your dealer and make sure both the ECM and TCM are up to date.

Caroline and Merlin, thank you for the information and the advice, once able to I shall check the fuel filter heater plug...the car has only done 28000 miles from new.