Ellie Goulding, Dougie Poynter on a break

Singer Ellie Goulding and Dougie Poynter are reportedly taking a break from their relationship because of the strain of work keeping them apart so often.

The couple - who have been together for over 18 months - have agreed to go their separate ways as their busy work schedules have made their relationship more and more difficult to maintain, but they are hoping to resolve their problems and reconcile eventually, reported Daily Mirror.

“They are taking a break. Their work commitments have meant they have been spending more and more time away from each other and it has made it difficult to maintain their relationship. They’ve decided to have a temporary break to see if they can work things out,” a source said.

“They are both very sad that things have hit a rough patch, but are trying to see if a little distance can help them get through it.” 

Ellie, 28, has been touring the US and Europe promoting her album ‘Delirium’, while the 28-year-old McFly bassist has been doing modelling work.