Mutya Buena has announced that she is leaving Sugababes, saying that she wasn't able to commit to the busy work schedule of the pop group.
The 20-year-old singer, who was a founder member of the group, is reportedly eager to spend more time with her daughter Tahila, who was born in March of this year.
The Sugababes will continue to perform and Buena is due to be replaced by a new member, who will be announced within the next 24 hours.
Speaking about her decision to quit the group, Buena said: "I felt that the commitment I would need to make to Sugababes over the next 12 months was something that would become compromised by me."
In statement released on the group's website, Buena said that she was leaving because of "personal reasons". She also said: "It was very difficult but definitely not a snap decision."
"There comes a time when everyone wants to re-evaluate their life and what they want out of it," she said.
Group member Keisha Buchanan said: "It goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward."
Speaking about the new member of the band, Heidi Range said: "When we all met her, we instantly knew she was the only person to share the rest of the journey with us."
