Amelle Berrabah has left the Sugababes, heatworld has just been told – and she is set to be replaced by singer Jade Ewen. Rumours that Amelle was quitting have been circulating all week, but just a few minutes ago an industry insider told us exclusively, "I've been told off the record that Jade is joining the Sugababes." Jade Ewen's record label Geffen sent an official statement out just a few minutes ago which read, "Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform you that Jade Ewen will be taking time off from all promotional activity for the foreseeable future." Amelle has yet to release a statement confirming the news, but we will bring you any updates on this story as soon as we have them.
If you think you recognise Jade Ewen, it's probably because she competed at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest representing Britain. She was born in London, and is just 21 years old. We think she looks rather glam and very Sugababe-like in this shot.
heatworld is currently in the process of contacting the Sugababes record label to ask for an official statement. Stay with us...
OK, so we’ve just spoken to a second industry insider and they have refused to deny the rumours. The official line at the moment is “no comment”. If there was zero truth to the rumours, then believe us, we would’ve been told by now. We’ll be watching this story very closely this evening and over the weekend, and we'll bring you all the updates as soon as we get them.
Update: This morning a friend of Jade Ewen's has confirmed that the singer is joining the band, and she is expected to join Keisha and Heidi in LA to record the video for a new single. There is yet to be any official announcement from the band, either confirming or denying the reports, but Amelle's sister has allegedly denied that there is anything untoward going on, and that Amelle is staying put. This story is getting more mysterious by the hour...
For an updated report on this story, including details of Keisha's departure, click here.
Meet the new Sugababe!
