WE WERE HOURS FROM SUGABABES MELTDOWN - OFFICIAL

The News of the World's comedy showbiz reporter character, Rav Singh, rushes to bring us news that the Sugababes nearly split.

To be honest, we've always thought the Sugababes spent their entire lives on the point of splitting, but this time, it seems, they nearly threw it all in when Mutya went off to embark on her successful solo career. (Note to self: check lower reaches of the chart to see if 'successful' is correct)

Heidi said: "It was a complete shock to Keisha and I and we thought at one stage, that's it—we're going to split up.

"We really didn't know what was going to happen."

But it was their manager MARK HARGREAVES who convinced Heidi and Keisha to take on Amelle and get the 'Babes back on track. Keisha added: "It was a bittersweet time. I was upset Mutya had gone—we'd known each other since she was nine—but really happy Amelle could join us.

"That was nine months ago and the change has been good. We're doing as well as ever."

How strange - the manager persuaded the goose to continue pooping out golden eggs ("persuaded them that they still had much to give the world of music").

music heidi range keisha buchanan sugababes