Sugababe star KEISHA BUCHANAN has sensationally quit the band.

In a week fraught with rumours that Awol bandmate Amelle Berrabah was set to quit, Keisha - the band's only remaining original member has announced she's going solo.

Keisha made the announcement on her Twitter page and told fans the decision to quit was NOT HERS!

She said: "Although it was not my choice to leave, it's time to enter a new chapter in my life."

Record bosses have confirmed the split and say Keisha will be replaced by Eurovision hopeful Jade Ewen.

The statement on the Sugababes website read: 'The current line-up of the Sugababes has disbanded.

'Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah will continue as the Sugababes and will be joined by new member Jade Ewen.

'They release their album Sweet 7 on November 23 through Island Records.

'Keisha Buchanan will continue to record for Island Records as a solo artist.'

The group was formed in 1998 by original members Keisha, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy.

Heidi replaced Siobhan in 2001 and in 2005 Mutya was replaced by Amelle.

The band's future was thrown in to doubt two weeks ago when Amelle failed to show for a gig at London's Movida nightclub.

At the time it was reported she had gone missing after being involved in a bust-up with Keisha, although the girls said she failed to turn up because her friend had been in a 'bad accident'.

At the time Keisha was accused of being the band bully, a claim she denied.

 

Keisha's statement in full:

Dear Friends I'm sad to say that I am no longer a part of the Sugababes.

'I've had a great time and have achieved more then I ever thought I would. Although it was not my choice to leave, it's time to enter a new chapter in my life.

'I have nothing but positive things to say about the girls and I wish them the best of luck.

'I would like to state that there were no arguments, bullying or anything of the sort that lead to this

'Sometimes a break down in communication and lack of trust can result in many different things.

'I would also like to point out that I have always supported the girls and they have also supported me.

'Remember my drunk pictures out with Amelle, supporting her on her success with Tinchy Stryder... Oh the shame... But what a fun night we had.

'Now I'm going to take some time to focus on me. I've been in this band for 11 years and I have achieved so much.

'I have a great family and friends who are behind me 100% and at the age of 24, I'm now going out into this world on my own...

'Although i'm nervous... I'm still very excited on what lies ahead.

'I want to thank the Sugababes fans and my fans for all your support and all who have never judged me, but accepted me for who I am... The feisty, funny, professional, fearless, motor mouth... lol

'This is not the end... but the beginning!!!!

'Thank you always... Keisha xxx'