The 42-year-old has been trying to break out as a solo artist in recent years
Kensington-born Natasha Hamilton has announced that this Sunday, October 13, will be her final Atomic Kitten gig for the foreseeable future. The mum-of-five posted a lengthy statement to her large social media following admitting that she needs to ”step down from all Atomic Kitten duties” to concentrate on herself, new ventures and what feels ‘right’ to her.
In the statement Natasha said: ”Since 1999 I have been a part of one of the world’s most successful girl bands. I have lived the most incredible life, travelling the world many times over since then, bringing so much joy to your lives, performing songs that catapulted us in to the stratosphere at such a young age. The ride hasn’t always been smooth, but I wouldn’t change a single thing.”
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The former Atomic Kitten singer continued: ”I’ve laughed & cried many a time with the girls, experienced so many surreal moments and been blessed with a career spanning 26 years. It’s been incredible and something | will always cherish.”
The 42-year-old has been trying to break out as a solo artist in recent years, although she admits this has been ‘tough’. She stated: ”At the beginning of the year I didn’t know how to juggle being a kitten, whilst also trying to break out as a solo artist, but I gave it a go. Mainly because I go from being this strong, empowered woman, building a brand new career, to transporting back to a version of myself I really have outgrown. I have been living in two worlds and it really has been difficult navigating both.”
In the emotional statement, Natasha told fans the time has come for her to ”close the book” on this chapter of her life after 26 incredible years. Reflecting on her Atomic Kitten days, the popstar added: ”It feels really weird saying that as Atomic Kitten has always been my constant through so many of my life’s ups & downs.
”AK was always there to pick me up and get me back on my feet, both mentally & financially – and that’s something | will always be eternally grateful for. But for me, right now, this is what I need to do to be able to focus on all the things that mean a lot to me.”
Natasha heaped praise on fans of the girl band saying: ”I wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all the AK fans who have stuck by us for what really is an eternity! You’ve all been incredible.”
The singer has recently shared an emotional update with her Instagram followers on one of the ”biggest shocks” of her life after she was diagnosed as hitting perimenopause at the age of 42. She was totally open and honest about how the diagnosis had changed her life saying she experienced crippling anxiety of doing everyday things that before were just done on autopilot and has felt completely lost. Fans flooded the star with support.
In a career update Natasha told fans she felt so honoured to be founder, artist and soon-to-be mentor on her own record label, Morpho Music Group, After leaving Atomic Kitten the singer will continue to release solo music with her 1st EP releasing soon.
Since 2013 Natasha and Atomic Kitten member, Liz McClarnon have performed many times together with Natasha stating: ”We came back even stronger, with more demand for our infectious pop songs.” She continued: ”Liz, I wish you all the luck & love in the world with your work ventures and all the amazing things that are still to come in life for you – it’s been one hell of a ride!!!”