Take That star Mark Owen has admitted to having affairs with as many as ten women behind his wife's back.

The flings took place before the singer married his girlfriend of five years, Emma Ferguson, last October.

One of the affairs, with an accounts manager, lasted for more than four years – and only ended a month before Owen's recent marriage, according to The Sun.

In a statement, the singer 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."

Owen and his wife married last year during a low-key ceremony at Cawdor Church in Scotland.

Guests included the star's Take That bandmates – Garby Barlow, Howard Donald and Jason Orange – and other close friends and family.