"I was really, really in love with her, but it was difficult to see each other," he says
(WENN) - Actor Russell has blamed distance and busy schedules for his failed marriage to pop star Katy Perry.
The couple tied the knot in India in October 2010 and the relationship was persistently dogged by split rumors until Perry filed papers to end their union last December.
Their divorce was officially finalized on Monday and on Wednesday the newly single comedian offered new insight into their marital troubles during an interview with Howard Stern.
Insisting his love for the singer was genuine and putting down their problems to issues of practicality, he said, "(Before) we got married, I just thought, 'I've got to marry her, I just love her so much.' And then we got married and I thought, 'OK, this isn't really working out.'
"I was really, really in love with her, but it was difficult to see each other... We were together when it was right to be together, and when it wasn't we worked it out... It was a lovely relationship... it mostly didn't work for practical reasons."
It was rumored Brand's desire to start a family played a part in their split, but the Brit refused to admit they parted ways over conflicting views, insisting, "She's young, successful and dedicated... I was really into the idea of marriage and having children... I don't want to be too glib. She'll read (about what I said) and she'll be sad and I don't want that... I don't want anything to hurt her... She's beautiful and she's sensitive and I care about her deeply."
When asked about whether reports of a romance with Hollywood agent (and actress Jordana Brewster's younger sister) Isabella Brewster are true, Brand replied, "Some things in the newspaper (sic) are untrue ... That's true actually."
Brand was linked to Brewster, earlier this month, and they fueled rumors they are an item earlier this week after being spotted enjoying a date in Los Angeles.
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