Josh Cuthbert has quit Union J.

Josh Cuthbert

Josh Cuthbert

The 26-year-old singer has decided to quit the group in order to pursue "individual opportunities across entertainment and music" and apologised to fans for his departure.

He revealed on Instagram: "My journey with Union J has been one to remember, and something I will cherish forever. But after seven years, I feel like now is the right time for me to leave the band.

"I'd like to apologise to my incredible fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right for me and follow my heart. I have decided to leave, because I want to continue to develop my individual opportunities across entertainment and music."

The 'Celebrity MasterChef' contestant went on to wish former bandmates Jaymi Hensley and JJ Hamblett good luck and described them as his "friends for life".

He continued: "I have so many beautiful memories with them and have friends for life in the boys and wish JJ and Jaymi the best for the future. Thank you for your continued support, it's down to you all that I am where I am today and you all mean the world to me."

But it seems Jaymi and JJ may not look so kindly on Josh as some angry posts were shared on Union J's social media accounts but later deleted.

One read: "Things should have been handled differently."

And another said: "This statement should have come to you as a joint statement. Sadly once again that decision was taken into ones personal matters. There is no beef whatsover, things should have just been handled differently.(sic)"

A third post simply stated: "Not cool."

The band were originally known as Triple J when they auditioned for 'The X Factor' in 2011, but changed their name when they were grouped with George Shelley on the show.

They signed to RCA Records after finishing fourth in the competition and released their debut single in June 2013.

George quit in March 2016 and was replaced by another former 'X Factor' star, Stereo Kicks singer Casey Johnson, but his tenure with the group didn't last long.

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