From The Mirror:

STEPS ASIDE: Pop group walks away after five years at top

By Christine Smith

STEPS last night said they are to split, ending a hugely successful run as one of Britain’s biggest pop acts.

Band members insisted the break-up was amicable, and issued a joint statement to their legions of child fans saying: “After five incredible years, we all decided it is time to move on.

“We have always said that when the time came we would leave as good friends and go out while we’re on top, and although we are all very sad, that’s what we have done.”

A source close to the five – Ian “H” Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans, Lisa Scott-Lee, Claire Richards and Faye Tozer – added: “There was no drama. They have just realised it could not get any better.

“They have seen the way some bands have fallen out in public and they did not want the same to happen to them.

“They are great friends and I am sure they will remain so for a long time to come.”

Steps have sold more than 12million records and have had 15 hit singles.

With 13 consecutive top five hits, they are the only band to beat the Beatles. The biggest was the double A-side Tragedy and Heartbeat, which sold 1.2million copies.

The band’s statement added: “We are all looking forward to announcing our next plans – but for now we just want to send our heartfelt thanks to all the people who have supported us – you truly are the best fans in the world.”

When they first auditioned, the group were all doing odd jobs. Claire was temping, Faye was a magician’s assistant and Lisa was a dance teacher.

They broke through as a line-dancing act with 5, 6, 7, 8 but their bubbly image, Abbaesque melodies and producer Pete Waterman’s Midas touch catapulted them to fame.

But earlier this year they had to issue a statement saying they had no plans to quit.