JLS have confirmed they are to split up after six years together, but Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Jonathan 'JB' Gill and Oritsé Williams insist they will remain the best of friends.
The band - who came second to Alexandra Burke on 'The X Factor' in 2008 - will say goodbye to fans with a farewell tour.
JLS will split after a farewell tour in December
Speaking about the split, Aston told The Sun: “It’s just that time. We are still best of friends and always will be — but this is the end.”
Marvin added: “It’s an emotional time. There’s no getting away from that. We have been through so much together.
“We never wanted to overstay our welcome. We never wanted to be that band where people said, ‘Oh, bloody hell. It’s JLS again."
JLS: Through The Years
The boys have sold more than 10 million records, scored five No.1 singles and sold over 1.5 million concert tickets in their time together. They were also the first 'X Factor' act to win a Brit award.
“I’m not going to deny it, I’m sad," Oritsé admitted. "It has been amazing. I remember that moment in my bedroom when JLS was just an idea and I was determined to make this dream a reality.
“They say all good things come to an end and for us it just felt like it was the right time to move forward and pursue different ventures."
The lads will perform together for the last time in December on their farewell tour and will also release the inevitable greatest hits album.
JLS were the first 'X Factor' act to win a Brit award
Speaking about their final tour, Oritsé said: “Hopefully, we can make sure it’s going to be the biggest celebration on that last date, especially because it’s going to be the last time that anybody is going to see us together on stage.”
The band released the following statement to their fans this morning after it was confirmed they are splitting up.
"To each and every JLSter, our beloved fans around the world. We wanted to make sure that you heard it from the four of us, that we have decided to bring our time as a band to an end.
It has been the most incredible journey over the last 6 years and we have achieved more things than we could have ever dreamed possible. Thanks to all of you guys, your support, your dedication and your love, you have changed our lives forever and we wouldn't be where we are today without you.
We are currently in the studio working on what will be our last album - Goodbye; The Greatest Hits. We will be bringing you a new single later in the year to coincide with the album and the tour.
'Goodbye; The Greatest Hits Tour' will be the last time that we will perform together as a 4 and we want to make sure that this tour is the best ever and that we end on a high! We will always remain brothers and friends and we will always be your boys."
