X Factor’s Kieran Alleyne has walked away from his band 5 After Midnight to focus on a solo career.
The popstar shot to fame with pals Nathan Lewis and Jordan Lee when their group finished third in X Factor 2016.
But the trio has now become a duo after Kieran broke the news to fans that he’s quit 5AM to concentrate on his own solo music.
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In a lengthy statement posted online, he thanked the group’s fans for their support and explained why he’d made the “difficult decision” to leave.
“I wanted to thank you for all the support and love you have given me over the years.
“I have reached a point in my career where life has thrown me lots of huge opportunities to grow as an artist and as a man.
“I wanted to tell you myself that I have made the difficult decision to leave the band 5AM and 110 per cent focus on becoming a solo artist of the back of the recent changes.
“I love this industry, it’s my life.
“I wish Nathan and Jordan every success and they will be superstars in their chosen paths too so please continue to support them and 5AM.”
Kieran continued: “I want to thank everyone who has supported us and me on the journey.
“The next chapter has started now and I have been working with some amazing writers and producers on my music.
“2018 will be a great year and I will be working my heart out to achieve my dream.”
Fans were quick to rally around Kieran and assure him they’d still support both him as a solo artist and his former bandmates if they continue as Five After Midnight.
His departure, however, no doubt came as a shock as last year 5AM had announced plans for two singles and an album.
Kieran himself had told The Sun: “It’s so exciting. We’re just super excited to get in the studio and get the songs going. We have a perfect team. It’s going to be an exciting year. There aren’t a lot of boybands out there so we want to fill that gap.”
The 5AM official Twitter account has now been updated to list only Nathan and Jordan as band members.
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Neither has addressed Kieran’s departure on their personal Twitter accounts, but have alluded to being busy in meetings, no doubt plotting what happens next.
A tweet sent yesterday promised fans: “New songs coming soon. Stay tuned. Don’t sleep on us!”