After 26 years in Atomic Kitten, Natasha Hamilton has called it a day, leaving the band with just one member… Can you call it a band when there is only one member?
The pop star joined the band in 1999 alongside Liz McClarnon and Kerry Katona after original member Heidi Range left soon after the group’s formation.
They released their first single that same year and went on to score three number-one hits – Whole Again, Eternal Flame, and The Tide Is High – plus two number-one albums.
Alas, after dominating the pop scene with their various line-ups over the years, the future of Atomic Kitten is uncertain, with only Liz remaining.
Taking to Instagram today, Natasha, 42, issued a statement to confirm she’s leaving the band, having begun pursuing solo endeavours earlier this year.
‘I’ve never done anything like this before so bear with me, but there’s a few things I wanted to share and I hope you can stay to listen,’ she began in her message.
‘Since 1999 I have been a part of one of the world’s most successful girl bands. I have lived the most incredible life, travelling the world many times over since then, bringing so much joy to your lives, performing songs that catapulted us into the stratosphere at such a young age,’ she continued.
‘The ride hasn’t always been smooth, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. I’ve laughed and cried many a time with the girls, experienced so many surreal moments and been blessed with a career spanning 26 years – it’s been incredible and something that I will always cherish.’
Recalling fond times with fellow member Liz, she said the pair have ‘been on the nostalgia train’ since 2013, during which they ‘performed non-stop’ and launched a strong comeback when demand increased for their ‘infectious’ pop tunes.
Confessing her personal struggles with fame, Natasha reflected: ‘At the beginning of the year I didn’t know how to juggle being a kitten whilst also trying to break out as a solo artist, but I gave it a go and I have to say, it’s been tough.
‘Mainly because I go from being this strong, empowered woman, building a brand new career, to transporting back to a version of myself I really have outgrown.
‘I have been living in two worlds and it has been really difficult navigating both.’
Natasha then stated that after ‘writing so many wonderful chapters’ the time has come ‘for [her] to close the book.’
This coming Sunday marks her final gig with Atomic Kitten ‘for the foreseeable future’.
‘I will step down from all AK duties to concentrate on me and ventures new,’ she stated. ‘It feels really weird saying that as AK has always been my constant through so many of my life’s ups and downs.
‘AK was always there to pick me up and get me back on my feet, both mentally and financially – and that’s something I will be eternally grateful for.’
Natasha added in her lengthy statement that parting ways from the band is what she ‘needs to do’, thanking fans for their support over the years.
She concluded by sharing her pride in being the founder of her own record label as she gears up to release her first solo EP ‘soon’.
Natasha assured die-hard fans that she will continue to perform Atomic Kitten’s hits ‘as they have been a huge part of [her] life’.
Signing off, she wished remaining member Liz ‘all the luck and love in the world with [her] work ventures’, declaring: ‘It’s been one hell of a ride.’
Expressing support for her long-time colleague and friend, Liz wrote: ‘Love you’, in the comments.
Other Noughties stars also shared the love, with Jessica Taylor of Liberty X fame commenting: ‘Massive love to you babe! Hopefully see you out there soon for a proper catch up! ♥️’
Blue’s Antony Costa also commented heart emoji, Steps icon Ian ‘H’ Watkins sent ‘huge love’, and Duncan James wrote: ‘I know this has not been an easy decision but I love u and always support you for ur decisions. I’m sure I will see u on the road soon. Big love ❤️❤️’
In a rather amusing sight, the official list of Atomic Kitten’s members now consists of Liz alone, while Heidi, Kerry, Natasha, and Jenny Frost are listed under former members.
Natasha and Liz have been performing as a twosome for some time, having hit the stage at a concert celebrating Liverpool music for the Eurovision Song Contest last May and performing at Pride this summer.
Liz is expected to continue with Atomic Kitten’s future projects.
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