Paul McCartney talks on bitter divorce battle

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed his bitter divorce from Heather Mills took him to a "dark place".

The former Beatles singer - whose divorce from Heather was finalised last year - has described the pain he suffered during the split.

The 66-year-old musician gave an honest account of the separation, saying: "I've been through a dark place."

Paul - who has been dating US heiress Nancy Shevell, 49, since November 2007 - explained his latest album 'Electronic Arguments', recorded as part of duo The Fireman, was heavily influenced by his failed marriage.

He said: "Love and light is mentioned a lot on the album. Parts of it are dark and edgy.

"It could be because I've been through a dark place. I am a man who needs love. Every man needs love, guys like romance. I do anyway."

Heather won a £24.3 million divorce settlement last March and has publicly criticised Paul's behaviour during their union on several occasions.

Paul - who has always remained tight-lipped about the break-up - said: "Things don't always work out but I like the idea of being dignified. I don't think it helps to mouth off all the time."