Pop star Natasha Hamilton has announced that she has left Atomic Kitten after 26 years.
The singer, 42, issued a statement on Instagram on Friday and said she wants to focus on her solo career.
She said: ’26 incredible years, writing so many wonderful chapters, but now the time has come to close the book with this one.
‘The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I have laughed and cried many times with the girls, experienced many surreal moments and have been blessed with a career spanning 26 years; It has been amazing and something I will always cherish.
‘Since 2013, Liz and I have been on the nostalgia train, and we’ve been performing non-stop since (aside from the global pandemic), where we come back even stronger, with more demand for our infectious pop songs.
Natasha Hamilton of Atomic Kitten (revealed that she left the band after 26 years, as she says “the journey hasn’t always been easy” (pictured in 2000)
“At the beginning of the year I didn’t know how to combine being Kitten and at the same time trying to stand out as a solo artist, but I tried and I have to say that it has been difficult.”
She added: “Mainly because I go from being a strong, empowered woman, building a new career, to being transported back to a version of myself that I have truly surpassed.”
“I’ve been living in two worlds and it’s really been difficult to navigate both.”
Natasha explained that she will be performing her final Atomic Kitten “for the foreseeable future” this weekend.
She said: “AK was always there for me and helped me get back on my feet, both mentally and financially, and that is something I will always be eternally grateful for.”
“But for me, right now, this is what I need to do so I can focus on all the things that mean a lot to me.”
She said of her remaining bandmate: “Liz, I wish you all the luck and love in the world in your work endeavors and all the wonderful things that are yet to come in life for you. It’s been an incredible journey!!!” !”.