Keating apologises to his wife

Ronan Keating and his wife Yvonne

X Factor judge Ronan Keating has made a public apology to his wife Yvonne after he reportedly cheated on her with a backing dancer.

The 33-year-old used the sleeve of his new album Duet to say sorry for having the affair with 26-year-old Francine Cornell last year, the Daily Mail reports. "For the mistakes I have made in my life, I am sorry. Guess you have to go there to come back. It was a dark place and you were the light to bring me back. I love you," the message reads.

In May this year Keating announced that he was separating from Yvonne after 12 years of marriage saying that the split was "amicable". But soon afterwards UK tabloids reported the break-up had occurred after Mrs Keating, an Irish-born model, learned he was having an affair.

Mrs Keating reportedly found text messages on the pop star's phone from Ms Cornell, who was a backing dancer in his group Boyzone. After announcing the split, the singer travelled to Australia to appear as a judge on the X Factor. Mrs Keating and their three young children later joined him in Sydney, suggesting Ronan has managed to save his relationship. Ronan's message in Duet is the first time he has publically addressed the reasons behind their break-up.

I would say this is all a publicity stunt for his new album. What do you think? Please comment.