Buchanan Quits Sugababes

KEISHA BUCHANAN has announced her departure from the SUGABABES, insisting it was not her decision to leave the British girl group.

Buchanan, the last founding member of the pop trio, has confirmed she is set to embark upon a solo career - just days after reports suggesting singer Amelle Berrabah had walked out on the group broke.

Jade Ewen will join Berrabah and Heidi Range to complete the group, according to a statement on the Sugababes’ website.

Meanwhile, Buchanan has taken to her Twitter.com blog to dispel tabloid allegations she and Berrabah had clashed - and to tell fans she had no choice but to leave the band.

She writes, “Dear Friends, I’m sad to say that I am no longer a part of the Sugababes… 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.”

Ewen’s arrival marks a third line-up for the trio - Range was drafted in when Siobhan Donaghy quit in 2001, while founding member Mutya Buena left in 2005, making way for Berrabah.