Brian McFadden’s ‘insecurities’ led to Delta Goodrem split

Melbourne: Brian McFadden’s insecurities over "Princess" Delta Goodrem led to the couple’s split.

The duo confirmed their engagement and seven-year relationship was finished in a joint statement yesterday. "This decision has been made with a lot of soul searching from both parties with the realisation that they have grown apart," a website quoted the statement as saying. "They leave the partnership with respect for one and other, wishing each other success and happiness for the future," it added. But Goodrem is understood to have called off her engagement to McFadden last week after months of drifting apart, according to a newspaper. Meanwhile friends said McFadden had found life difficult in Delta`s golden shadow and had struggled to balance the public`s adoration of her, while he was constantly painted as a reckless bad boy. While Goodrem has spent almost a decade as Australian pop`s golden child, McFadden has been dogged by controversy, a string of Twitter wars and headline-making behaviour. "In some ways, it was hard for him to be the back seat to the Delta Show. No one could live up to that expectation," one friend said. Both parties are said to be heartbroken over the split. Pals insist the split was mutual and no third parties were involved. ANI