Aston Merrygold
Aston Merrygold found fame on the X Factor with his JLS bandmates Getty

Aston Merrygold was part of one of the UK's biggest boy bands but now the former JLS star is going it alone following the groups' split.

The 26-year-old singer has signed a solo record contract with Warner Bros Records.

Taking to Instagram, Merrygold announced his news by sharing a collage of himself putting pen to paper and making the deal official.

Alongside the snap, he wrote: "Someone once told me enjoy every minute of it... I've known this day was coming for over a week and been fine, driven, motivated.. READY to just get working asap! But I've not actually sat back n enjoyed the thought of being signed to a record label on my own...

"I've had a dream since I was young watching my idols do there thing, there way and how they wanted and I can't believe I get a shot at that..."

He signed off by vowing not to waste his second chance.

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"I'm going to give you ALL I got! I feel so blessed to be in this position and I'm not going to waste it!!!!!! Get ready it's going to be a bumpy, but fun as hell ride! Ax (So f**king excited btw)."

Merrygold shot to superstardom alongside his former bandmates Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams and JB Gill after finishing second to Alexandra Burke on the 2008 X Factor.

In 2013, the quartet announced they would be going their separate ways after five number one singles, and winning two Brit awards and five Mobo awards. They have sold more than 10 million records.

"It has been the most incredible journey and we have achieved more things than we could have ever dreamed possible," JLS said in a statement at the time.

"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."