Katy Perry 'knew Orlando Bloom romance was over in January' as she quietly confided in pals

Katy Perry reportedly told close friends that her long-term relationship with fiancé Orlando Bloom was nearing its end back in January - after months of quiet struggle and emotional distance.

According to a source close to the couple, the 40-year-old singer first opened up in January, privately admitting that things with Bloom, 48, had broken down.

“Katy confided in friends at the start of the year that their relationship was as good as done,” the insider revealed. “They decided to hold off on announcing anything in case things improved between them, because they are desperate to stay together for the sake of their daughter.”

The couple, who began dating in 2016 and got engaged three years later, share a four-year-old daughter, Daisy. But despite their efforts to keep the family unit together, demanding work schedules and physical distance have reportedly strained their bond.

With Perry currently in Australia on her Lifetimes Tour and Bloom filming his new project Bucking Fastard in Dublin, their time together has been minimal this year.

“She knew that taking off her engagement ring would send a clear message,” the source told The Sun, hinting that the singer is emotionally preparing for the end. “It’s been a hard year so far. They wanted to wait until the tour is over before they made their split official, although Katy has grown tired of the situation.”

While Bloom is expected to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding in Italy solo this week, Katy will remain in Australia. On stage in Sydney earlier this month, she may have subtly referenced her emotional state during a performance of her 2008 track I’m Still Breathing. Handed a pack of Tim Tams by a fan, she said: “This song is about a break-up, and this Tim Tam saved me. Thank you.”

The couple last appeared together publicly at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in March, and notably did not post tributes to each other on Valentine’s Day - the sixth anniversary of their engagement.

For Perry, this isn’t the first high-profile romance to hit turbulence. She was previously married to British comedian Russell Brand, whom she wed in a lavish ceremony in India in 2010.

The marriage ended just 14 months later. Brand famously filed for divorce via text message, a moment Perry later described as devastating. Their split was finalised in 2012, with Perry citing "irreconcilable differences."

Bloom also has a child from a previous marriage - he shares son Flynn, 14, with ex-wife and supermodel Miranda Kerr.

Addressing speculation that her relationship with Bloom ended over her Blue Origin space flight, the source dismissed it outright. “That’s nonsense,” they said. “The truth is that their relationship has been on shaky ground for a long time now. Going to space was a welcome distraction from what was going on, if nothing else.”

The Mirror has approached Katy and Orlando's representatives for comment on this story.

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