Peter Andre and Katie Price talk of marriage counselling

Peter Andre and Katie Price had marriage counselling shortly before they split.

The 'Insania' singer convinced his now estranged wife to have private therapy sessions in a last attempt to save their three-and-a-half year marriage, which he eventually called time on almost a month ago.

A friend has confirmed Peter had been the one to end the marriage, but insisted he had done everything he possibly could to try and address the couple's problems first.

The source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Neither of them take divorce lightly and both wanted their relationship to work for the sake of the kids, if nothing else.

"Pete persuaded Kate to give counselling a go once they started having frequent, more hostile rows.

"He really was willing to try anything. Although they both went into it willingly, it was more of a desperate final attempt to patch up the marriage and make it work. Pete was devastated it wasn't the solution."

Despite the end of the marriage, Peter – who raises three children with Katie, Junior, who is four tomorrow (13.06.09), 23-month-old Princess Tiaamii and Harvey, seven, who is Katie's son from a previous relationship – admits he still loves the glamour model.

The pop star said: "The past four weeks have been the worst of my life - hell. No matter what happens, you never stop loving someone."

Katie, 31, and Peter, 36, are expected to start divorce proceedings soon, and the singer has previously said he will fight for custody of the children.

Peter will also soon re-launch his singing career with new song 'Call The Doctor' – inspired by the breakdown of his marriage – next month.