United Kingdom, Feb. 10 -- Chesney Hawkes has shared the secret to his successful 28-year marriage.

'The One and Only' star has been married to his wife Kristina - mother of his three children - since 1997 and he believes "spending time away" from each other actually makes their relationship stronger.

He told the Guardian newspaper: "Our secret? Spending time away from each other. It's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

"But there are many other secrets. Communication is crucial: we don't hide anything from each other."

Chesney also revealed he knew he wanted to marry Kristina on the night they first met after she asked him for a pint of lager.

He explained: "It was pretty instant when I met Krissy. She was 20, I was 22. ...