Take That star Mark Owen said he was 'deeply sorry' today after admitting a string of affairs behind his wife’s back.

The 38-year-old singer acknowledged the 'pain' he had caused to his wife and friends through his flings with as many as 10 women.

Owen, who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2002, is known for his boyish charm but has often been seen as a 'squeaky clean' member of the reunited group.

Owen and his wife Emma, who have two children, married only last October but have been an item for five years.

But in a confession to national newspaper, the chart star said he had seen a number of women over the years during his relationship.

One of the affairs, with accounts manager Neva Hanley, went on for more than four years and Owen revealed they spent their final night together in a London hotel only a month before his marriage.

In a statement today, Owen apologised and asked to be left alone to work through his problems.

He said: “I’m so deeply sorry for the pain my actions have caused my family and friends. I’d like to ask the media to please respect the privacy of my wife and children during this difficult time.”

A spokesman for the star said there would be 'no further comment'.