Bubble bursts for first Popstars

Bardot, the pop group formed from the world's first version of the Popstars TV show, has split.

The all-girl Australian band has released a statement officially confirming recent reports and rumours that the group was on its last legs.

"The group have cited the need for a well-earned break following what has been a phenomenal two-and-a-half year explosion on the Australian music scene," the statement read.

"The pace at which the group's career continued from its inception - at the first Australian Popstars TV show auditions - to the completion of a third single from their second album has taken its toll."

The band began life in 2000 when Belinda Chapple, Sophie Monk, Sally Polihronas, Chantelle Barry and Katie Underwood were thrown together by the TV show.

But it was almost immediately beset by controversy when Barry was thrown out of the group within weeks of its formation and replaced by Tiffany Wood. The following year, with a number one single and album under their belt, Underwood left to pursue a solo career.

The group continued as a foursome but their early chart successes - with singles Poison, I Should've Never Let You Go and These Days - were not repeated and rumours recently emerged they were calling it quits, with Monk expected to pursue a solo career.

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