Paul McCartney: I’ve been through a dark place over the last few years

Paul McCartney has said he’s “been through a dark place” in reference to the bitter end to his marriage to Heather Mills.

Paul and Heather separated in June 2006 after four years of marriage and their divorce was finalised last year following a High Court ruling granting Heather a settlement of £24.3million.

Throughout the acronimious divorce proceedings - which saw Heather claiming physical and verbal abuse at the hands of the former Beatle - Paul worked on his new album ‘Electric Arguments’ and he explained recently that it reflects his mindset at the time: “Love and light is mentioned a lot on the album.

“Parts of it are dark and edgy. It could be because I’ve been through a dark place.

“I am a man who needs love. Every man needs love, guys like romance. I do anyway.”

But he refused to be drawn into discussing the details of his divorce - or his new relationship with New York businesswoman Nancy Shevell - saying: “Things don’t always work out but I like the idea of being dignified. I don’t think it helps to mouth off all the time.”

At the weekend, sources close to Paul said he is on the verge of proposing to Nancy after his children gave their blessing to the relationship and Nancy’s own divorce was finalised late last year.