From Sky News:

Tragedy as Steps split

Pop group Steps have announced they are splitting up to pursue solo careers.
The award-winning group made the announcement in a statement.

It follows denials earlier in the year that they were breaking up.

The five-member group have sold more than 12 million records since they hit the pop scene in 1996.

In the statement, Faye, Claire, Lisa, H and Lee, said: “After five incredible years, we have decided it’s time to move on to new challenges.

“We have always said that when the time came, we would leave as good friends and go out while we were on top.

“Although we are very sad, that’s what we have done.

“We are looking forward to making our next plans, but for now we just want to send our heartfelt thanks and love to all the people who have supported us.”

The band was recently presented with a commemorative disc by Sir Tim Rice to celebrate their entry into the top 100 acts of all time.

Steps had two number one singles during their career – Heartbeat/Tragedy which claimed the top spot in January 1999 and Stomp, which went to number one in October last year.

They released four albums – Step One, Steptacular, Buzz and the greatest hits compilation Gold, which has so far sold more than 1.4 million copies worldwide.