Just a week after he was announced as a new judge on Australia’s X Factor series, it has emerged that Ronan has split from his wife.

The Boyzone star had been married to Yvonne for 12 years and the pair share three children – son Jack 11, daughter Marie 9 and second daughter Ali 4.

The split was announced on Kating’s official website and read:

“With great sadness, Ronan and Yvonne Keating today announce their separation.

“The separation is amicable and they will continue to work together in order to provide the best for their children.

“The family ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

Just a few days ago, Ronan said in an interview with The Mirror that he didn’t know why Yvonne was still with him. He went on to detail his problems with jealousy and we can’t help but wonder if this played a part in his marriage breakdown.

“I can’t believe Yvonne has stuck with me for so long,” he said. “I still get incredibly jealous. The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head and brings out all my insecurities. I don’t like it if Yvonne is out without me. I just can’t help it.”

It’s been a bad year for Ronan, after all it was only seven months since his best friend Stephen Gately passed away. However, maybe his new job on The X Factor will help him move on, though it will mean spending at least half of his year away from his children and family home.