Leona Lewis: I’ve known heartbreak

Leona Lewis has had her heart broken "so many times".

The British singer was recently linked to One Direction hunk Liam Payne and has confirmed her split from her German dancer boyfriend. Leona likes being in a relationship, but admits it can be painful.

"I've had my heart broken so many times. It's so awful. You need your friends, ice-cream and good movies," she told British newspaper The Mirror. "I love being in love. You have someone to come home to. You don't feel lonely because someone's always there, especially when you're travelling and need a bit of normality."

Leona prefers not to discuss her relationships and is remaining quiet about rumours linking her to Liam.

However, she does admit they share a close bond.

"He is a really sweet, lovely guy. I'm a fan of One Direction. We have been friends for a year-and-a-half," she smiled.

Leona is currently promoting her new album Glassheart.

The 27-year-old star has drawn upon her romantic history for the new material and has promised fans it will be her most revealing record yet.

"I put everything into them. I use the experience from all of my relationships," she explained. "I've had a lot of things happen where I've broken up with people and the relationships have ended, which is real and emotive."