Atomic Kitten star quits band after 26 years to focus on solo career

Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton has quit the band after 26 years and confirmed she will perform with the group for the final time this Sunday before she goes solo.

Pop sensation Natasha Hamilton has made the heartfelt announcement that she's leaving Atomic Kitten. The 42 year old singer shared a touching statement with her followers, confirming her departure after an impressive 26-year stint with the group.

She's now setting her sights on a solo venture. In her poignant message, Natasha expressed: "26 incredible years, writing so many wonderful chapters, but now the time has come for me to close the book on this one."

Fans will have the chance to see her perform with the band one last time on Sunday, reports the Mirror.

Natasha stepped into the spotlight as part of Atomic Kitten in 1999, contributing to both their original success and their more recent resurgence. Addressing her supporters, she reflected: "Since 1999 I have been part of one of the world's most successful girl bands. I've lived the most incredible life, travelling the world many times over, bringing so much joy to your lives, performing songs that catapulted us into the stratosphere at such a young age.

"The ride hasn't always been smooth but I wouldn't change a single thing. I've laughed and cried many a time with the girls, experienced so many surreal moments and been blessed with a career spanning 26 years - it's been incredible and something I will always cherish."

Natasha shared her experiences, stating, "Since 2013 myself and Liz have been on the nostalgia train, and we have performed non stop since then (apart from the global pandemic) where we came back even stronger, with more demand for our infectious pop songs. At the beginning of the year I didn't know how to juggle being a Kitten, whilst also trying to break out as a solo artist, but I gave it a go and I have to say, it's been tough."

She continued: "Mainly because I go from being this strong, empowered woman, building a brand new career, to transporting back to a version of myself I really have outgrown. I have been living in two worlds and it really has been difficult navigating both."

Natasha detailed she will perform her last Atomic Kitten show "for the foreseeable future" this weekend. "AK was always there to pick me up and get me back on my feet, both mentally and financially - and that's something I will always be eternally grateful for," she acknowledged.

"But for me, right now, this is what I need to do to be able to focus on all the things that mean a lot to me."

Natasha took the opportunity to express gratitude to her fans and bandmate Liz McLarnon, saying: "Liz, I wish you all the luck and love in the world with your work ventures and all the amazing things that are still to come in life for you - it's been one hell of a ride!!!" To which Liz simply responded: "Love you."

The songstress was inundated with messages from adoring fans and celebrities alike, as Ferne McCann dropped a series of red heart emojis in response. A fan gushed: "Loved seeing you perform as AK at the Eurovision in Liverpool last year. You girls are and will always be iconic. You have to do what is best for you and I applaud you for that."

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Duncan James chimed in with support, saying: "I know this has not been an easy decision but I love u and always support you for ur decisions. I'm sure I will see u on the road soon. Big love."

Natasha became part of Atomic Kitten alongside Kerry Katona and Liz McClarnon but the group went their separate ways in 2003 after topping the charts with three No 1 singles.

The band, famed for hits like 'Whole Again' and 'Eternal Flame', were a defining girl group of the early 2000s. Kerry, one of the original members, left the band just four weeks before 'Whole Again' hit the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, and Jenny Frost of Precious fame stepped in to fill her shoes.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.