Posted by Adam

Thursday November 12, 2009

JULIANNE Hough is a single lady after splitting from beau Chuck Wicks

The country music stars began dating in 2008, but decided to go their separate ways because, “they needed some time apart,” a source told People magazine.

“It was a mutual decision. They never saw each other, and she is so young,” another source added.

Wicks, 30, said they grew closer this past spring when they were paired up together on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars.

Hough, 21, “makes me learn some difficult steps sometimes,” he said. “She doesn’t just let me dance around her. She challenges me, makes me pay attention and makes me want to pay attention.”

During their time as a couple, Hough and Wicks also dodged their share of wedding rumors.

While he was on DWTS, Wicks vowed that he would never pop the question. “I promise to you I will not propose to Julianne on the show,” he said in a radio interview this past April.

“We’ve been together almost a year now. We have a great relationship, and we definitely always talk about what’s in the future and the next step and marriage.”

The pair had intended to spend the holidays together.

“Last Christmas, Jules and I stayed home, here in Nashville,” Wicks said last month. “We just relaxed because we had been so busy. Anytime we get to come home, and just chill out with family and friends, watch a movie and go to dinner, it’s great.”

Tags: julianne hough