NATASHA Hamilton has announced she has left Atomic Kitten after 26 years in the girl group.
The pop star, 42, took to Instagram this morning to tell fans of her departure as she looks ahead to her career as a solo artist.
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Natasha Hamilton has left Atomic Kitten Credit: Rex Features
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Natasha will soon release her debut solo EPCredit: Rex Features
She wrote: “26 amazing years, writing so many wonderful chapters, but now it’s time to close the book on this one.”
Natasha will give her last performance in the band on Sunday.
Fire-haired Natasha was parachuted into the Liverpool line-up when she replaced Heidi Range, who later became Sugababe.
She took part in the group’s peak hits before becoming a loving mother to her four children.
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Natasha has son Josh with nightclub owner and original Love Island champion Fran Cosgrave, Harry with dancer Gavin Hatcher, Alfie with businessman Riad Erraji and daughter Ella with Five’s Ritchie Neville.
The singer has only fond memories of her time as Kitten.
She told fans: “I’ve lived the most amazing life, traveling the world many times, bringing so much joy into your lives, performing songs that catapulted us into the stratosphere at such a young age.
“It hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. I’ve laughed and cried many times with the girls, experienced so many surreal moments and been blessed with a career spanning 26 years – it’s been amazing and something I’ll always cherish.”
Since the beginning of the year, Natasha has tried to launch a solo career, but has had a hard time balancing it with her commitments in a girl band.
But now she no longer has those obligations, she is focused on developing her own record label and promoting her music.
Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton spotted at Edinburgh tournament
Highlighting bandmate Liz McClarnon in her farewell message, she wrote: “I wish you all the happiness and love in the world with your business ventures and all the amazing things yet to come in your life for you – it’s been one hell of a ride!”
Fans and friends were quick to congratulate him.
Coworker Liz commented, “I love you.”
Ian ‘H’ Watkins said: “Big love!”
Jessica Taylor of Liberty X posted: “Huge love to you baby! Hope to see you out there soon and make up for it!”
The most famous line-up of Atomic Kitten consisted of Liz, Natasha and Kerry Katona.
Their biggest hits include Whole Again, Eternal Flame and The Tide Is High (Get the Feeling). The debut album, Right Now, was released in 2000 and reached number one in the UK charts.
The following year, Kerry left the group after becoming pregnant with her first child, and was replaced by Jenny Frost.
The girls released two more albums and a greatest hits compilation before disbanding in 2004.
Since then, they have occasionally reunited for tours and special projects, and Natasha and Liz have been ever-present since 2013.
Catchy pop songs and a girl-next-door image have given the band a dedicated fan base.
In recent years, their hit song Whole Again has been embraced by a surprising new group of fans after it was adapted by England fans during Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager.
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Liz and Natasha were joined by Kerry Katona in the band’s heyday Credits: Rex
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Liz said she is forever grateful for the memories Credit: Getty
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