Lily Allen dumps boyfriends for her career

Lily Allen has dumped boyfriends to improve her songwriting.

The Not Fair singer, who has been single since splitting from art dealer Jay Jopling, 45, who she had a brief romance with over Christmas - has ended several relationships because she needed inspiration for new material.

She told Radio Times magazine: "I've actually broken up with boyfriends for inspiration. When I hit a period of not being able to write music, I get up and walk away. It s pretty mean but it's true."

Meanwhile, Lily has been spotted with a new guy.

The 23-year-old pop star was photographed with the mystery man in a West London pub, just days after arriving back in the UK following her sell-out US tour.

The dark-haired man, who was wearing black-rimmed glasses, affectionately kissed the star on the side of her head as they spent the afternoon together.

Earlier this year, Lily claimed she was planning to stay single for two years, because she is too busy concentrating on her music career.

The singer, who has just announced a new eight-date UK tour starting in November, said: "I'm in that mindset where I realise I'm going to be so busy for the next two years. Even if I was to meet someone, I don't have the time.

"But there's not really any specific kind of guy I go for - I'm still trying to work out what my type is."