Nick Lachey gives rare insight into high-profile divorce from Jessica Simpson

Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson became superstars after showcasing their marriage in reality show Newlyweds – then it all fell apart.

Nick Lachey admitted his divorce from Jessica Simpson left him with some scars.

The TV personality opened up about his 2006 split from the singer on season three of The Ultimatum, which was released on Netflix on Wednesday.

While talking to a contestant about their fear of marriage, he said, “I, too, was previously married, divorced, so I understand the hurt, the scars that exist from that.”

Nick, 51, explained he had to put his fears aside when he met and ultimately decided to marry his now-wife, Vanessa Lachey, in July 2011, reports Page Six.

“Don’t let your past define your future,” he said, per E! News.

“What I truly always wanted in my life, which was to have a beautiful marriage and a beautiful family, if I hadn’t retained my belief in that, I wouldn’t have ever realised the beautiful life I have with this woman.”

Simpson and Lachey tied the knot in 2002. Picture: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

They appeared in the reality TV series Newlyweds.

The dating series — hosted by Nick and Vanessa — shows couples coming together to decide whether they will marry each other or break up.

Nick and Simpson started dating shortly after meeting in 1998 at a Hollywood Christmas Parade.

In February 2002, the Love is Blind US host popped the question to the Dukes of Hazzard actress, 44, in a very romantic way, she announced via her website at the time, per People.

“He had been patiently waiting for me to grow up a little (which I needed). And I did! Now my life feels so perfect.”

The exes got married that October and flaunted their imperfect romance on their 2003 reality show, Newlyweds.

Lachey with his current wife, Vanessa. Picture: David Becker/Getty Images

The series showed rocky moments in their relationship, with Lachey being portrayed as the trophy husband and Simpson being seen as ditzy.

In 2006, the two released a joint statement saying they decided to part ways after “careful thought and consideration,” according to People.

That same year, Nick moved on with Vanessa, 44, and they wed five years later. They share Camden John, 12, Brooklyn Elisabeth, 9, and Phoenix Robert, 7.

As for Simpson, she wed Eric Johnson in 2014 and the two share Maxwell Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5. The two are rumoured to be divorcing.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Nick Lachey gives rare insight into high-profile divorce from Jessica Simpson