Nicole Scherzinger opens up about "tough" Lewis Hamilton split

American singer and UK X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger, who recently broke up with Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, has admitted that she has endured a "tough" year.

The couple ended their five-year romance in July, with reports claiming that their hectic work schedules caused the split.

Following the break-up, the former Pussycat Doll singer began filming the new ITV reality series and has admitted that she found it difficult to contain her emotions.

"It's been a tough year," the Daily Mail quotes Scherzinger as saying. "On the personal side it has been a hard year for me. I am not a robot and I wear my heart on my sleeve.

"Music touches me, so I think I've been a bit more emotional through the audition process this year because I was obviously going through some stuff internally."

The couple previously split temporarily during their relationship.