Mark Owen confesses affairs

Mar 11, 2010, 9:30 GMT

Mark Owen has admitted to having ten affairs.

The Take That singer - who wed his long-term partner Emma Ferguson last November - has confessed to being a serial cheat since they first started dating five years ago and admits he has been "an idiot".

He said: "She loves me and I let her down. I'm really sorry. I have been an idiot, a d***head, a k***head. All of the above and more. It's about me, my mistakes. Nobody else is to blame. I don't know how many girls there were in all. Maybe ten."

The 38-year-old star - who has two children with his wife, Elwood, three and 14-month-old Willow Rose - admitted one affair with Neva Hanley, an accounts manager, continued for almost five years even though he always knew Emma was the one he would marry.

He said: "In my head there was never a time I was doubting getting married. It was a chance for me to put it all behind me and not make the mistakes I had made in the past.

"When I have been in a bad way Neva has been there for me. All the other girls were one night stands. When I was on tour, away from home on wild nights out, which was every night. I'm not in contact with any of them."

The pop star - who claims he has been faithful since his wedding last year - wishes he'd come clean with Emma sooner but admits he hasn't always been easy to live with.

He confessed: "I have been living with the guilt. It has always been there - you carry it around with you. It held me back in my relationship.

"Life was hard, I guess. I let Emma down. I was selfish and stubborn. If we ever argued, it was down to me.

"I have noticed a change since I stopped drinking, but I am quite difficult. It wasn't the sunshine Emma was hoping for but it is better. I have always liked a drink and I am a party man."

The 'Patience' hitmaker hopes Emma will forgive him but accepts the fact his confession may spell the end for his marriage.

He added in an interview with The Sun newspaper: "Emma is a strong girl. She has to do what is right for her and the kids. And I am here if she wants me.

"She is the best thing that has happened to me. I want us to grow together and be together - but let's see what happens."