SUGABABES star AMELLE BERRABAH has received a string of hate mail from die-hard fans who blame her for the departure of founding bandmate KEISHA BUCHANAN, according to reports.

The trio's future plunged into turmoil after Buchanan was thrown out the group earlier this month, after 11 years as a Sugababe.

Remaining members Berrabah and Heidi Range insist the threesome couldn't continue, and it was Buchanan who was asked to leave by record bosses after tensions within the group became too much.

An insider tells the publication, "Her management have received thousands of abusive letters whilst her Twitter page has been overrun with them.

"She's petrified - some have been really threatening. She won't be hitting the club scene until everything dies down. She feels she is at risk."

Eurovision singer Jade Ewan was quickly drafted in to take over from Buchanan.