Jessica Simpson had allegedly stopped wearing her wedding ring because she didn't feel like singer Nick Lachey's wife anymore.

The 'Dukes of Hazzard' beauty reportedly broke down in tears when a friend quizzed her about why she had taken off the band.

Jessica made the frank admission to her pal over a meal at a swanky New York restaurant and said a hectic work schedule was keeping her apart from Lachey.

Half way through the meal, the 'Newlyweds' beauty was reportedly overheard calling her pop star husband demanding they make more time for their marriage.

A source is quoted by Britain's Daily Star newspaper as saying: "Jessica returned to the table with a big smile on her face. She quickly took her wedding ring out of her purse and put it back on her finger."

"Jessica told her friend, 'Nick's cancelled a bunch of stuff to spend more time with me'."

Earlier this year Jessica's dad, Joe, revealed the couple had considered splitting - but insisted they are not divorcing. He said: "Do they fight? Hell yes, they fight. Have there been moments when Nick has wanted to leave Jessica or Jess has wanted to leave Nick? Absolutely."