After five years together Ricky Wilson and his TV producer girlfriend Lesley Williams have decided to go their separate ways. The Voice judge told the Sun that sadly the pair have split as they struggled to adapt to his increasing fame. "I took the risk of putting myself out there and I knew it was going to change me," he told the newspaper. "I feel quite uncomfortable that I dragged someone else in who didn't want that. "It's a huge part of my life and I find it tricky," he added. "I can't have it both ways."
© Photo: Getty ImagesRicky and his girlfriend of five years have decided to split
A source close to the Kaiser Chiefs frontman also told the Sun, that despite his protectiveness towards Lesley, he knows that his private life is of interest to his fans. "Ricky always wanted to keep Lesley out of the limelight," said the source. "He hates the idea that people will be talking about their break-up." Keighley-born Ricky, 37, first rose to fame with the Kaiser Chiefs in 2005 with the release of their album Employment. The band, who have played at festivals including Leeds, V and Glastonbury and featured in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, went on to release four more albums.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe couple reportedly struggled with Ricky's increasing fame
On 19 September 2013, Ricky confirmed that he would be replacing Danny O'Donoghue as a coach on the third series of The Voice UK, joining will.i.am, Tom Jones and fellow new coach Kylie Minogue on the judging panel. Kylie left the show after one series and was replaced by Rita Ora, who Ricky has struck up a friendship with since current season began. In March 2014, Ricky revealed that has revealed he was prescribed medication to help combat his nerves ahead of the live shows. "I went to the doctors because I was dizzy and the doctor said, 'You're a bit anxious'," he said. "Every time I stood up I thought I was going to fall down."
