Peter Andre has slammed claims his split from Katie Price is part of a publicity stunt.

Reports had suggested that the couple's separation had been timed to coincide with the advance promotion for his comeback album.

But in his first interview since their split, the Mysterious Girl singer said: “How could anyone think I would pretend to split up from my wife to grab headlines? It’s just sick.”

In an emotional and frank discussion, Peter described the last seven days as “totally devastating”, adding: “It's all so raw.”

The singer's decision to break his silence ends seven days of speculation of the couple's shock split, which was confirmed in a joint statement last Monday.

Both parties have fled the country in a bid to escape media attention, with Peter flying to Cyprus and Katie travelling to the Maldives with the couple's two children.

Peter said in New magazine that he was missing Junior, 3, and Princess Tiaammi, 1, “like mad”.

Katie's son, Harvey, 6, by footballer Dwight Yorke, is staying at the couple's marital home in Surrey.

Peter also suggested Call Me A Doctor, a track from his new album which was written last November, outlined the couple's separation.

As Entertainmentwise reported yesterday, Katie spoke about the split in various messages on her Twitter page over the weekend.

The former glamour model said she was “heartbroken” and missing her husband.

The couple are said to be organising crisis talks in the UK for later this week.

Katie Price and Peter Andre - The Relationship in Pictures