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By SARAH BULL and EMILY SHERIDAN
Single man: Alex Reid was seen out today for the first time since Katie Price announced their splitHe had stated that he would keep wearing his wedding ring in the hope that he and Katie Price could successfully work on their marriage.
But it seems Alex Reid has finally accepted his relationship is well and truly over, after he was spotted getting petrol while his wedding band was noticeably absent.
Looking tired and strained, the cagefighter failed to raise a smile for waiting photographers as he filled up his car and picked up the newspapers.
It's the first time Alex, who has now moved back to his parents' house, has been seen since now-estranged wife Katie announced their split in a length statement yesterday afternoon.
Bare finger: Alex has finally removed his wedding ringAnd while the sportsman had clearly dressed up for his first outing as officially a single man, looking smart in a blue shirt with white collar, jeans and black shoes, he couldn't hide his pain.
The bags under his eyes were clear to see, despite the fact he tried to cover his face from photographers using a paper.
Following speculation that the pair were about to announce their split, Alex wrote in his Star magazine column that he was planning to continue wearing his ring.
He wrote: 'I’m still wearing my wedding ring – maybe I’m a hopeless romantic, but there you go… I want to work on our marriage.
'Maybe I am an optimist, but I believe in doing the honourable thing.'
Meanwhile, mother-of-three Katie has yet to make her first appearance following the announcement, although she did take to her Twitter page this morning to thank fans for their support.
She wrote: 'Morning thanks for the support at this sad time!hope you have great day!its freezing outside hate getting up when its dark x'
Glum: Alex looked distressed and tired as he filled his car up with petrol
You can't see me: Alex hid his face with a newspaper as he got into the carIn a statement confirming she and Alex had split after 11 months and 19 days of marriage, Katie yesterday said cagefighter Alex had changed during their relationship, and became obsessed with a 'desire to promote himself'.
When the couple started dating in July 2009 - just eight weeks after she split from first husband Peter Andre - Reid was a cagefighter and struggling actor.
They think it's all over... it is now: Katie Price and Alex Reid have officially separated after just 11 months of marriageBut the model claims his 'desire to promote himself caused a change in the dynamic of our relationship and contributed to our alienation'.
In fact, as well as appearing regularly on Katie's ITV2 reality show, Alex even attempted to further his own career by appearing on Celebrity Big Brother last year, of which he was eventually crowned the winner.
source: dailymail [endtext]