Max George blames friction and solo ambitions for The Wanted split

The Wanted singer Max George has opened up about the group's imminent hiatus, suggesting long-running tensions and his desire to go solo led to the parting.

The Glad You Came hitmakers told fans on Wednesday (22Jan14) they will go on an extended break following a world tour later this year (14).

Bandmate Nathan Sykes quickly shot down reports suggesting a feud had prompted the decision, insisting "nobody is to blame" for the break-up.

However, George disagrees, revealing his and Sykes' solo ambitions caused friction with fellow members Tom Parker, Jay McGuiness and Siva Kaneswaran.

Speaking to Britain's The Sun on Sunday, he explains, "Over the past year there has been a lot of tension. Our personal lives drove us apart - things started to happen and we were drifting. We used to be such a brotherly pact, but it started to feel like it wasn't The Wanted any more.

"We had a very difficult conversation. Our manager Scooter Braun asked us who would want to take a step out after the tour and try to do their own thing. Me and Nathan both said we have other ambitions.

"We were more prepared than the others because we'd looked at how things had been going with the band over the past few months.

"It shouldn't be a surprise for anyone. As upsetting as it might be to some of the other guys, I have to live my life. Nathan and I haven't broken any promises either because we're both going to be on the tour."

However, the Brit is adamant the singers will not let their personal relationships affect their upcoming Word of Mouth trek, which kicks off in the U.K. in March (14).

George adds, "We're professional and we will make sure this is the best tour we've ever done."