Leona Lewis' Costly Split

Leona Lewis' Costly Split

Leona Lewis' ex-boyfriend is reportedly demanding a £1.5 million payout for helping her get famous.

The 'Bleeding Love' singer's childhood sweetheart Lou Al-Chamaa has asked for the huge sum of cash as he believes he has played a big part in her success.

The former electrician claims to have filled in the form for her to audition for UK TV talent show 'The X Factor', which she went on to win, making her a global superstar worth millions.

A friend of Lou's told The Sun newspaper: "He believes he has played a huge role in Leona's success. They have been together for more than 10 years and he has encouraged her to fulfil her potential. He believes he has the rights of a common-law husband.

"He even filled in her 'X Factor' application form and believes he then played a huge role in her success."

Leona and Lou's split last month was said to be amicable and was blamed on their busy work schedules.

The pair met aged 10 when they lived on the same street in Hackney, east London as children.

After Leona became famous, trainee electrician Lou was handed a job with record label Sony BMG as a talent scout and he now travels the world , spending much of his time in Los Angeles and Miami.

Lou's demands come after Leona is said to have offered him the their £600,000 house in Hackney - just minutes from their families who still live in the area.

He has refused and wants more money as he also claims he owns rights to some of her biggest hits after setting her up with producers and recording opportunities.