JLS Split: X Factor Boyband Calls it a Day after Five Years

JLS have stunned fans by announcing that they are splitting up after five years together.

The British boyband - Marvin Humes, Aston Merrygold, Ortise Williams and JB Gill - shot to superstardom after finishing second to Alexandra Burke on the 2008 X Factor.

They will bow out of the music industry with a farewell tour and greatest hits album, both entitled Goodbye.

In a statement to fans, the band, whose hits include Beat Again and Hottest Girl In the World, said that they wanted to finish on a high.

"It has been the most incredible journey and we have achieved more things than we could have ever dreamed possible," they said on their website.

"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."

The boys will pursue different ventures and outlined their plans for a send-off.

"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 four and we want to make sure that this tour is the best ever and that we end on a high."

In the Sun the lads revealed that they feared a decline in chart success, as is usually the case with pop acts. The band said they agonised over their decision to break up for months.

Merrygold, a judge on Sky 1 talent show series Got to Dance, told the paper: "It's just that time. We are still best of friends and always will be - but this is the end."

Humes, who is about to become a father for the first time with wife Rochelle Humes, added: "We wanted to finish on a high. We're finishing with an arena tour - our third arena tour - and that is a massive achievement.

"The last five or so years have been nothing short of incredible."

The group have pledged to continue their work on their JLS Foundation charity.

"We will continue to work on the JLS Foundation after our split, as we want to raise as much money and awareness as possible for great causes and our partner, Cancer Research UK.

"We also want to continue the legacy that we started three years ago with the foundation."

JLS have sold more than 10 million records, had five No 1 singles and won two Brit awards (in 2010) and five Mobo awards.