Nicole Scherzinger hinted at break-up

Nicole Scherzinger hinted at her split with Lewis Hamilton a week before news broke.

On Tuesday, it was widely reported that the 36-year-old singer, who is currently in the UK wrapping up her stint as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's famed musical Cats, and her long-time love had called it quits after a tumultuous seven years together.

However, during an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph one week earlier, the American singer hinted that there was trouble in paradise as she revealed she'd had to make a lot of "sacrifices" in her personal life to pursue her career dreams.

"I look at this as a great blessing for me to be able to take on this role… but I have made sacrifices. This is very time consuming. I've left LA, left all my friends and my family. It's sacrificing your time in relationships, with loved ones..." she explained.

While the star went on to reveal that she tries not to have any regrets in life, friends say she's devastated that her relationship is over. She and the 30-year-old Formula One champion have broken up several times previously since first getting together in 2010, though this time it's said to be for good.

"It really is over this time. Nicole has finally had enough. She's completely gutted and feels lost about her future," a source told The Sun.

During her interview with The Telegraph, the former Pussycat Dolls lead singer revealed her desire to start a family – despite reporter Sarah Rainey being told prior to their chat that she couldn't ask any personal questions, which she said "set alarm bells ringing". Nicole revealed she "definitely" hopes to have children within the next ten years.

"Oh yeah, I'll definitely have that by then. I'll definitely have that. Definitely, that would be nice…" she smiled as she pictured her future as a mother.

Sadly, those close to the star have revealed that Nicole's dream of marriage and babies is what ultimately drove a wedge between her and Lewis, who at 30 isn't ready for the commitment.

The Sun first reported that the couple had called it quits following a "series of explosive rows" that escalated over the Christmas holidays. The couple had not been seen together in public since December 27, though they initially denied split rumours.