NIA show will go on for Sugababes

Dec 22 2005 By Andy Coleman, Birmingham Mail

TOP girl group Sugababes today assured Birmingham fans their city show next year will go ahead despite one of the trio quitting the group.

The band will perform at the NIA Academy on April 8 and will feature a replacement for Mutya Buena.

Heidi Range, who will continue with Keisha Buchanan, said: "Next year we've got so much to look forward to with our own UK tour and supporting Take That at their sold-out stadium tour."

She added that a new member had been lined up, but would not reveal her identity.

She said: "Our management introduced us to someone they had been working with who undoubtedly had an amazing voice, who looked great and was already a big fan of the band. Mutya's still going to be missed, but it's great that we're parting company still as best friends."

Mutya said she left Sugababes because she wanted a break. "My decision to leave at this point is based purely on personal reasons," she said.

"I signed up for being in Sugababes at the age of 13 and have spent my entire life devoted to making music."

* Tickets for Sugababes' NIA Academy show on April 8 are £21.50 plus booking and transaction fee from 0870 909 4144.