Nicole Scherzinger split to focus on their careers

British racing ace Lewis Hamilton has split from his pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger.

The handsome couple confirmed in a statement they had ended their long-distance relationship after 20 months together.

The former F1 world champion, 25, and Pussycat Dolls frontwoman, 31, said they were focusing on their careers.


Split: Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton have ended their 20 month romance

A statement said: 'They have decided to go their separate ways.

'They want to focus fully on their careers and will remain close friends.'

The couple first met at the MTV Europe Music Awards in November 2007, but didn't start dating until May 2008.

Scherzinger was by Lewis's side as he won a string of Grands Prix before being crowned world champion in Brazil in November 2008.

However, 2009 saw the couple spending increasing amounts of time apart due to their busy careers.

Stevenage-native Lewis is based in Switzerland, while Hawaii-born Scherzinger lives in Los Angeles.

Scherzinger spent most of last year on the Pussycat Dolls world tour, while Hamilton struggled on the Grand Prix circuit this year.

The couple were rumoured to be suffering problems last autumn, which Hamilton dismissed at the Italian Grand Prix in September, declaring: 'That is bulls***. We are still together.'

When Hamilton celebrated his 25th birthday in Switzerland last month, his girlfriend was thousands of miles away in Los Angeles working on her long-delayed solo album.

Scherzinger is preparing to finally release her album My Name Is Nicole this year.

The disc was originally set to be released in 2007, but was delayed and several songs ended up on the last Pussycat Dolls album Doll Domination.

Scherzinger is now working with Will.I.Am, A.R. Rahman and Lady GaGa on new tracks for the album.

Throughout their high-profile relationship, the couple were frequently reported to have become engaged.

Scherzinger regularly gave public declarations of her love for Hamilton, declaring he was her soulmate.

She said a year ago: 'Lewis is such a wonderful guy. I definitely think he could be The One.

'We might be moving in together soon, he is so kind and generous, we just get on so well.'

In an interview with the Mail's You magazine last July, Scherzinger admitted it was challenging to balance their busy careers with romance.

She said: 'We are both driven people who are serious about our work, so we are very supportive of the time we do have together.

'Finding time for each other can get complicated, but we find a way to work it out.'

She also played down rumours of an engagement, insisting her career was her number one priority.

She explained: ' In ten years’ time I would like to have accomplished a lot in my career - that is the most important thing to me.

'My dream is to do my own music one day, to have an unbelievable tour, to have done some musical theatre and some film and maybe to have opened up a performing arts school for special needs kids. That is my ultimate dream, not marriage.'

Last May, they did managed to find time to holiday together on a cruise in the Mediterranean.

Although she missed a lot of his races last year due to her tour, she proved to be something of a good luck charm when she attended the Hungarian Grand Prix last July - which he won.

She also joined Hamilton at the Singapore Grand Prix in September - the second of two races he won last season.

Nicole Scherzinger wallpaper

Nicole Scherzinger wallpaper

Nicole Scherzinger Bikini Pictures

Nicole Scherzinger Bikini Pictures

Nicole Scherzinger in Midtown Hotel

Nicole Scherzinger - Leaving Her Midtown Hotel

Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger encounters a rather slippery customer in club

Setting off for a night out clubbing in Germany, Nicole Scherzinger was probably prepared to fight off some slippery creatures.

But the Pussycat Dolls singer got more than she bargained for at Cologne's Alter Wartesaal nightspot when she swapped her cocktail for a slimy snake.

Animal magnetism: Nicole Scherzinger encountered a slippery creature at Cologne's Alter Wartesaal nightclub

Help! The singer looked petrified when she was first approached by the female snake charmer

The 30-year-old star looked petrified as she was approached by a female snake charmer carrying a huge yellow python at the Lambertz Monday Night Schoko and Fashion Party.

Despite Nicole's apprehension, the satin-clad charmer placed the snake around the shoulders of the singer, who did her best to remain calm.

The singer looked in need of her knight in shining armour, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, who was unfortunately nowhere to be seen.

Girls' night: Nicole later enjoyed a cocktail and a chat with Rosanna Davison

With none of her Pussycat Dolls bandmates around, Nicole was spotted chatting to Irish beauty queen Rosanna Davison - daughter of singer/songwriter Chris De Burgh and former Miss World 2003.

After performing in Dublin with the rest of the band on Sunday night, Nicole popped over to Germany to party, before flying back to Belfast tonight for the next date in the group's Doll Domination tour.

The Dolls are scheduled to return to Germany next week to perform in Frankfurt.

Flying solo: Nicole attended the event without her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton

Nicole Scherzinger and the Pussycat Dolls Hit the Beach

Nicole Scherzinger and the Pussycat Dolls Hit the Beach

Trying to make the best of what’s left of her Spanish vacation, Nicole Scherzinger was spotted heading off for a day at sea with her Pussycat Dolls bandmates in Ibiza.

And while she seemed to be enjoying herself, Nicole and her race car diving boyfriend Lewis Hamilton were the victims of thieves earlier on in their vacation.

According to press reports, “two bags were stolen from the couple’s rented Mercedes shortly after a chauffeur had loaded their luggage into the vehicle outside the Malaga Palacio hotel on Saturday.”

An eyewitness told The Daily Star newspaper: “Lewis’ driver was cleaning the wing mirrors when two men ran up to the open boot (trunk) he’d just finished loading and pinched a rucksack and a leather hold-all. The one (thief) carrying the rucksack dropped it as the bodyguards pursued him but the other guy with the smaller piece of luggage kept hold of his. I overheard one of the security men saying it had Lewis’ iPod inside it with all his music on.”

Pussycat Doll sets pulses racing as she steps out in a skin-tight PVC dress

As one of five sexy singers in girl group The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger has found the perfect way to become the centre of attention.

Over the last few weeks, it seems Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend is being influenced by dominatrix fashion as she has been increasingly seen wearing PVC.

After pouring herself into a stunning grey PVC dress at the Vodafone Live Music Awards in London last month, the 30-year-old pop star opted for another rubber ensemble for her gig in Sydney today.

'Don't Cha' wish your girlfriend wore PVC? Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger looked kinky in a skin-tight PVC dress before their concert at the Sydney Opera House today

Dressed in a skin-tigh black dress with a peep-hole top section, it was clear to see what first attracted racing ace Lewis to the American beauty.

The unforgiving fabric clung to Nicole's amazing curves as she wiggled down the green carpet ahead of Tuesday's concert at the Royal Opera House.

Unsurprisingly, Nicole's restrictive outfit was just for the photocall - but her penchant for PVC continued as she opted for a pair of trousers in the same material, teamed with a tartan top for the group's gig.

Girls on parade: Nicole and her bandmates (L-R) Melody Thornton, Kimberly Wyatt, Jessica Sutta and Ashley Roberts before their performance

Joining her bandmates Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton and Kimberly Wyatt on stage at the famous Sydney landmark, the Pussycat Dolls performed some of their biggest hits, including Don't Cha, StickWitU and Buttons, as well as their latest track When I Grow Up.

The Los Angeles Group are currently promoting their second album Doll Domination, which includes tracks from Nicole's as-yet-unreleased solo album Her Name Is Nicole.

The group is now a quintet after Carmit Bachar quit in March to work on a solo album.

Working it: Nicole - in PVC trousers - and her fellow Dolls perform at the Sydney Opera House

Nicole, who has mixed Hawaiian, Filipino and Russian heritage, started dating 23-year-old Lewis in May after previously meeting at the MTV Europe Music Awards six months previously.

She recently said of her racing beau: 'Lewis is such a wonderful guy. I definitely think he could be The One.

'We might be moving into together soon, he is so kind and generous, we just get on so well.

'Everything is going very well. He is a genius.'

TransAtlantic romance: Nicole, 30, with her racing driver beau Lewis Hamilton, 23

Nicole Scherzinger Saucy underwear and a French kiss: Lewis Hamilton romances

Saucy underwear, a candlelit dinner and kisses in the street - it seems Lewis Hamilton likes to treat girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger to some old fashioned romance.

The racing ace and the Pussycat Doll are enjoying a romantic break in Paris away from their busy schedules.

They spent the afternoon in a lingerie store, where Lewis sought the advice of a professional as he picked out a gift for Nicole. He could be seen admiring the barely there lace and silk underwear in the window, including the suspender belts.

Lewis Hamilton has a cheeky grin on his face as he leaves a lingerie shop in Paris with girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger

The two then headed to a Parisian restaurant to enjoy some French cooking.

But they seemed more interested in each other than the food, holding hands across the table and gazing into one another's eyes.

Lewis, 23, snapped photos of Nicole across the table, leaning over with a smile to show her the results.

After buying her some new underwear Lewis took Nicole for a romantic candlelit dinner, holding her hand across the table

A moment to treasure: Nicole smiles as Lewis snaps her photo

After leaving they couldn't keep their hands off each other, kissing under the moonlight in the street outside.

Lewis and the 30-year-old singer have been inseparable since they met at the MTV Europe Music Awards last November.

In between his racing and sponsorship commitments, Lewis has even joined his girlfriend's band on tour.

The couple exchanged a moonlit kiss as they left the restaurant

The look of love: Lewis and Nicole walked hand-in-hand back to their hotel

Pussycat Nicole gets shrink wrapped in skintight PVC at music awards

Poured into a skintight PVC dress Nicole Scherzinger's every bump and lump was on display.

But luckily for the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls the only bumps she has are her generous curves.

The 30-year-old girlfriend of racing ace Lewis Hamilton was displaying her perfect figure at the Vodafone Live Music Awards at the Brixton Academy last night.

Shrink wrapped: Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls wore a skintight PVC dress at the Vodafone Music Awards in London last night

Miaow! The Pussycat Dolls arrive at the Vodafone Awards last night in London

And she and her bandmates weren't just there to party. Instead they thrilled the crowd as they performed their hits onstage in corsets and stockings.

The Los Angeles Group are currently promoting their new album Doll Domination.

Raunchy: The Dolls wowed onstage in hotpants, suspenders and fishnets

Among the star studded audience was Baby Spice Emma Bunton, who looked all grown up in a stylish black dress and red lipstick.

The new mother appeared to be taking fashion advice from her former bandmate Victoria Beckham, in her Posh style bodycon outfit and blonde Pob.

The other guests included newly single DJ Mark Ronson, whose model ex Daisy Lowe was on the catwalk across London at Vivienne Westwood's show.

Singers Kelly Rowland, formerly of the band Destiny's Child, and Estelle also attended the bash.

Blonde ambition: Holly Willoughby (left) and Baby Spice Emma Bunton

Soul women: Singers Estelle and Kelly Rowland also attended the event

Newly single Mark Ronson arrives looking more like a trainspotter than a DJ, and Fearne Cotton (right) look glorious in dark green

Nicole Scherzinger at Fashion Rocks In Sarees

We were thrilled to team up with the Pussycat Dolls and Bollywood designer Rocky S for this revolutionary moment in the East meets West fusion fashion. The DH! crew spent the day with the girls helping them get dolled up for Fashion Rocks which kicked off New York's Fashion Week. The sexy ladies warmed up to our crew and opened up to DH! viewers about their collaborations in India and their desire to represent Indian couture.


Being the first to break news about the Dolls in South Asian garments gave Desi Hits! the opportunity to snap the exclusive first shots of the girls in their hotel room before they hit the red carpet. The girls warmed up to the DH! staff and seemed more then happy to wear the garments. "It's a honor to wear a saree," commented lead Pussycat Nicole Scherzinger. These sarees are definitely not ones that you would see your average aunties in. One thing is for sure there is a lot less fabric! Get the lowdown even before it airs on national television! Check out the exclusive video footage below and keep it locked for video footage and more exclusive interviews and pictures.

Pussycat Dolls are primed to go global

When Nicole Scherzinger released her first solo single late last year, it seemed that the song might signal an end to her role as lead singer with the Pussycat Dolls.

The single, Baby Love, was a Top 20 hit in Britain.

An exuberant Nicole then performed it with rapper Will.i.am at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Germany - an event at which she also met her now boyfriend, British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, for the first time.

Growing up: The Pussycat Dolls (from left) Melody, Kimberly, Nicole, Jessica and Ashley are primed to go global

But while a promising solo career seemed to be on the cards for the Hawaiian-born Scherzinger, the prospect of leaving her day-job ultimately didn't appeal to the 30-year-old frontwoman.

'I had a big decision to make,' she says. 'I'd finished my solo album and I had to choose between putting that out or concentrating on a new Pussycat Dolls record.

'In the end, I decided it was too early for a solo project.

The music industry can be very fickle, and it seemed more important to solidify what I was doing within the group.'

Nicole and the Dolls perform at the Conde Nast 'Fashion Rocks' pre-party at Mansion yesterday

As she sits beside her four feisty bandmates in a London hotel, it is easy to see why Nicole decided to stay put.

The Los Angeles group were originally set up as a burlesque song-and-dance ensemble by actress and choreographer Robin Antin, but they display all the good-natured camaraderie of a hard-gigging rock band.

They stress that they are a 'sisterhood', and listening to them chatter enthusiastically, often finishing sentences for one another, it's hard to argue.

But while they are famous for their revealing stage costumes and over-the-top dance routines, they are keen to emphasise the importance of their music and a forthcoming album, Doll Domination, that is an infectious hybrid of pop melody and booty-shaking R&B.

Vamped up: Nicole puts in a sexy performance

We sing songs with an urban twist,' says 23-year-old Melody Thornton, the youngest Doll, between sips of a soft drink.

'It's got an edge, it's got the funk. Urban music is the modern-day pop, especially in the States, and we embrace it on that level. It's left-of-centre pop.'

'Having already made one album, we knew what to expect this time,' adds red-haired Jessica Sutta, 26.

'We knew what we were doing, and we're very loyal to each other.'

As with the group's debut, 2005's PCD, Doll Domination is a precursor to a tour that will see the girls take their high-octane live show around the world.

The ambitious Nicole talks openly of establishing the Pussycat Dolls as a global 'brand', though she adds that the quintet, who have been criticised for their sexy routines, are mindful of their responsibilities as role models to an audience of mainly young, impressionable teenage girls.

The girls strike a pose for the camera

I'm from a conservative background, and I think it's important to be aware of the messages that we're putting out,' she says.

'Some people say the music industry encourages young people to drink or have sex, but that's not what we're promoting. We try to do things with integrity.

'I don't like to use the word raunchy. What we do is more stylised. It's all about putting on a performance.

'I don't think the way we dress is any different to how Beyonce dresses. I always say: "Keep it sassy, but keep it classy."'

Blonde, bubbly Kimberly Wyatt, 26, who trained with the Joffrey Ballet in New York, is even more animated on the topic of the group's live show.

Ashley, Jessica, Nicole and Kimberly perform on the NBC 'Today' television show in New York's Rockefeller Plaza

'I get upset at the way some people talk about us,' she says indignantly. 'They dismiss us as if we're strippers, but we're not like that at all.

'I've trained for this all my life. I did tap-dancing, jazz and ballet.

'But at the end of the day, people just want to put you in some sort of box.

'With us, that box is always marked "raunchy". But the most important thing to me is that I am honest and feel good about myself.

'If people insist on calling me raunchy, well, then maybe I am raunchy. But I'm comfortable with who I am and how I present myself.'

Puppy love: Jessica walks her dog Starr in Manhattan

One fan with no concerns as to how the Dolls present themselves is Lewis Hamilton.

Nicole's boyfriend since February, he often travels with her on promo trips, while Scherzinger has also been spotted watching her beau burn rubber on the world's Formula 1 tracks.

'The attention we get isn't important to me,' she says. 'As long as my boyfriend and I are happy, that's all I care about, and we're truly happy.

'It's hard to have a relationship in this industry, so we're taking things one step at a time and living moment to moment.

As long as the other girls are OK about it, I hope he'll come on the road with us when we tour.'

'There's always room for him on the tour bus,' adds Melody supportively (one presumes that she doesn't mean as the driver).

'He's very sweet and a good person.'

The Pussycat Dolls have changed dramatically since emerging as a Hollywood cabaret act.

Originally a troupe of up to 30 girls, they performed burlesque dance routines to Fifties and Sixties pop hits, before eventually hitting the big time at Johnny Depp's infamous club the Viper Room.

'The atmosphere at those early shows was amazing,' recalls Ashley Roberts, 26.

'There were queues stretching onto Sunset Boulevard. Everyone wanted to see the show.'

'It was really hectic,' adds Jessica.

'We'd rush offstage and change out of our corsets in this tiny little corner and then go back out again. We were bumping into each other all the time.'

In 2001, the group reinvented themselves as a vocal act. With most of the original dancers departing, Nicole and Melody, the two strongest singers, were recruited from outside to bolster the group's musical credentials.

'I was intimidated at first, because the girls were all so beautiful,' remembers Nicole.

'I had to get into character. I'm quite a reserved person, but I had done a lot of musical theatre.

'One of the roles I'd played was Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago, so I homed in on that.'

'The transition was difficult,' adds Jessica.
'When I started, there were 30 girls in the group; now there are five.

The girls arrive at the 2007 Meteor Music Awards at Dublin's Point Theatre

'Dancers aren't always the nicest people to be around, and I almost quit a couple of times. But I loved the group so much I saw it through. I know I made the right choice.'

'The group is all about having confidence in yourself and connecting with an audience,' adds Ashley.

'But that confidence doesn't come from trying to be hot onstage. That's not a factor in what we do.

'If we're sexy, then we're lucky, but that's not what we get up there for.'