Adele: 'LP is inspired by ex-lover'

Adele has revealed that her forthcoming album was inspired by a former boyfriend.

The singer, who is gearing up to release her sophomore effort 21 later this month, admitted that the record's lyrics were influenced by her relationship with musician Slinky Sunbeam, which reportedly ended in April 2008.

"My ex was my inspiration for the album, but never mind a free copy, he can go and buy it," The Sun quotes her as saying at a Lincolnshire gig.

The 'Make You Feel My Love' star, who recorded her latest LP in the US with producer Paul Epworth, also said that she didn't want to be "swallowed up" by the States and was keen to keep in touch with her London friends.

She continued: "I've been rekindling all my relationships with all my friends, it's been really nice. On New Year's Eve I went to my friend's house party and there were loads of friends I hadn't seen for like ten years from my first secondary school.

"I was happy I wasn't swallowed up by a bubble or anything after the first album. Sometimes I meet other artists and they find it really hard to meet someone and they have to pay for all their friends to go on tour with them, which I ain't doing."

Adele releases her new single 'Rolling In The Deep' on January 24. 21 follows a week later.