McFadden not planning custody battle

Rex Features

Brian McFadden has denied claims that he is involved in a new custody dispute with his ex-wife Kerry Katona.

Tabloid reports had speculated that the former Westlife member was preparing for a new court battle after watching Katona's controversial This Morning appearance.

However, McFadden has now told the Herald Sun: "There is no basis to it, we settled custody months and months ago."

The singer has spent most of this year in Australia, where he is promoting his latest solo album, but has seen seven-year-old Molly and six-year-old Lilly-Sue during their school holidays.

McFadden's career commitments have also led to him being separated from his Aussie girlfriend Delta Goodrem, who is promoting her own music in the US.

"It's kind of bizarre, she's become American and I'm Australian now," he explained. "We were well prepared for this. To set things up for her and the rest of her career it meant we've had to sacrifice the relationship. But we have good communication with each other."