'Last Goodbye' for Kittens

Girl band Atomic Kitten have announced they are splitting up. The trio will go their separate ways in March after they complete their UK tour.

The split came after one of the singers, Natasha Hamilton, 21, revealed she has had enough of her pop star lifestyle.

She has an 18-month-old son, Josh, with whom she wants to spend more time.

Last year, Hamilton was diagnosed with post-natal depression and had to take time off. Bandmates Jenny Frost, 25, and Liz McClarnon, 22, have decided to quit as well rather than look for a replacement. "I knew the time would come when I would have to do this," said Hamilton.

"I've not really had a moment to be with Josh consistently and properly since he was born, having released two albums and six singles since 2002 and promoted them around the world." Atomic Kitten's best-selling single was Whole Again which spent four weeks at No1 in 2001.

Other big hits included cover versions of the Bangles' song Eternal Flame and Blondie's The Tide is High.

A spokesman for the band confirmed: "The girls will do the tour and go out on a high. They remain the best of friends." The band's last concert will be in Hull on 11 March.