Ellie Goulding and Dougie Poynter are splitting up because they can no longer manage their busy work schedules, it’s been reported today.
The musical couple, who have been together for 18 months, are thought to be taking a break from each other while they work out their relationship problems.
An insider told The Sun: “They are taking a break. Their work commitments have meant they have been spending more and more time away from each other and it has made it difficult to maintain their relationship.
“They’ve decided to have a temporary break to see if they can work things out.”
The source added: “They are both very sad that things have hit a rough patch, but are trying to see if a little distance can help them get through it.”
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McFly bassist Dougie has been pursuing his modelling career in LA of late while Ellie flies around the US and Europe promoting her new album, Delirium.
When Dougie turned 28 on Sunday, Ellie didn’t send him any public message on Twitter or Instagram to mark the occasion.
And the last time he mentioned her on social media was two weeks ago, when he posted a screenshot of Ellie's album art and called it an "absolute tune boner".
It comes just after Ellie told Glamour magazine that she was ready to settle down and marry Dougie, even claiming he’d helped her change her mind on tying the knot.
“I’m nearly 30. I once had a pretty warped view of marriage because so many people around me had divorced parents,” she said in the magazine interview at the end of September.
“So for a long time I did think that I'd never get married and that men were shit – all that stuff.
“But when someone comes along and re-establishes that trust, then it’s nice to think of doing everything the traditional way: having a church wedding, with all my family in one place – I love the idea of that.”
This is so sad ☹☹☹
14 of the most shocking celebrity couple breakups ever
14 of the most shocking celebrity couple breakups ever
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow
Conscious uncoupling be damned, this was sad. Gwyn and Chris were so lovey dovey - meeting at a Coldplay concert and getting married barely a year later.
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
An unsuspecting breakup - we wonder what Nick Cannon did with that HUGE 'Mariah' tattoo on his shoulder blades?! Shortly after their split, Nick was rumoured to be flinging it off with Kanye West's ex - Amber Rose.
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams
Hearts broke EVERYWHERE with this one and although Ryan is now with Eva Mendes and they have a child together, we will NEVER get over this split. Soz Eva.
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
"S––– happens, you know?" Pattinson told British Esquire in its September 2014 issue about Stewart's fling with director Rupert Sanders. "It's just young people … it's normal! And honestly, who gives a s–––?" And as shocking as this was when those pictures of Kristen and Rupert were released - we're with Rob on this one.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston
Well this was a blunder of a breakup if ever we saw one and 10 devastating years since our world was turned upside down. And it turns out, 10 years is not long enough to move past Jen and Brad. Even today, when we're feeling down, we flip on that episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S when Brad guest-starred and just try to look for clues. We can't really watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith again - because that's where Brad met Angelina Jolie. One of the reasons for their split.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
This was a particularly emotional breakup for Bieber - who even when someone was mentioned Selena in an interview he would flip out. However Selena said, in an interview in 2013, that she was "well stressed out" from this very public breakup. Poor loves.
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
The pair's divorce was finalised in 2013. It was reported it was down to Ashton's infidelity that caused this breakup. Anywho, he's with Mila Kunis now and we love that way better because they had history from appearing on That '70s Show together. We don't even feel sorry for Demi, she's a big girl and he was a sleeze to you anyways, Demi.
Katy Perry and Russell Brand
They were married for a year, he broke up with her on Twitter and was overall not very nice to her, Katy wrote a song (By The Grace of God) about it all. Team Perry all the way on this one.
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake
If you're too young to remember this breakup, TRUST US, when we say if we don't find love and incidentally die alone, it is Britney and Justin's fault. Just watch Justin's Cry Me A River music video and you'll understand.
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom
They broke-up amid speculation of Lamar's drug problem. They're still married. So we don't really know what's going on with these two, but we miss Khloe calling Lamar 'Lam-Lam' and 'Lammy'. *Sobs
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (formerly known as Cole) and Ashley Cole
Footballer Ashley cheated on Chezza - with what was rumoured to be a number of girls - and broke Cheryl's heart. She wrote about him in a book and it sounded DEVASTATING. There were even pictures of Chezza on holiday with her gal pals looking very, very skinny. Look how happy they were in this picture?! - Oh well she's happily married to a hot French man now (and has a MUCH better last name). Shame on you Ashley.
Chris Brown and Rihanna
This was a turbulent and VERY public break up in which Chris beat Rihanna up (police also reported bite marks) after the Grammys in 2009. In court, he admitted to the allegations and was sentenced to time in prison and community service. Chris is in an on/off relationship with Karrueche Tran, currently they're broken up. He also found out he has a love-child with a one-night stand to a woman he is not with. Rihanna has been recently linked to Leonardo DiCaprio.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth
We don't really know why they broke up but Liam handled it very maturely. Miley went a bit off the rails posting weird stuff on Instagram. We feel like Miley lost out with this fine specimen.
Harry Styles and Taylor Swift
They were literally seen out for like two dates, can hardly be called a relationship, but if this happened for real and lasted we would have been well happy. HOWEVER, Taylor is now with Calvin Harris and we LOVE Talvin. A LOT.
A couple we're glad broke up...
Lauren Goodger and Mark Wright. Otherwise Mark and Michelle Keegan would have NEVER happened and we love M & M. Sorry Lauren, you are lovely and we hope you find true love elsewhere.
AND A COUPLE WE'RE VERY, VERY HAPPY ARE STILL TOGETHER...
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester