Alexander Demetriou says his closeness with Maura Higgins left wife Carlotta Edwards jealous

Dancing On Ice star Alexander Demetriou has revealed his closeness with skate partner Maura Higgins drove his wife Carlotta Edwards to jealousy.

Speaking candidly about the breakdown of his marriage, the professional skater, 28, said of his now-estranged wife: ‘I didn’t want to lead her on any more.’

Alexander admitted that his ‘close bond’ with the Love Island beauty, 29, was tough for Carlotta, 30, to see, with their relationship eventually breaking down.

Last month, Alexander confirmed that he had separated from his ice skater wife, in a statement posted to his Instagram stories.

He wrote: ‘I’m Sorry I have been quiet on social media recently but it’s been a tough time for me personally.

‘Carlotta and I have separated. Although it saddens me that we can no longer be together, I feel this is best for both of us. 

‘I’m looking forward to what the future will bring but in the meantime let’s all say home and stay safe.’ 

And now in an interview with The Sun, Alexander opened up about the factors that ended his four-year marriage to the Canadian native.

He said: ‘I think Carlotta found it hard to see me close, yet so professional, with Maura. It had an impact on her.

‘I told Carlotta we needed a break but I knew it was for good. I didn’t want to lead her on any more. She was shocked at how ­serious it was.’

He went on to say that it was his decision to call time on their union, adding that Carlotta was ‘very upset’.

He added: ‘Several times I had to explain to Carlotta that Maura and I were just friends. Once the rumours start, it becomes a ­conversation – it was hard for Maura being called a homewrecker online.’

Discussing his friendship with Maura, Alexander explained that they became friends as soon as Dancing On Ice training began, and they ‘never hid’ their ‘close bond’.