Jaymi Hensley has announced that he has left Union J and has suggested that a dispute over the direction of the group led to his decision.
The singer - together with JJ Hamblett, Josh Cuthbert and George Shelley - gained fame appearing on The X Factor in 2012, finishing in fourth place.
Shelley quit the group in 2016, followed by Cuthbert in 2018, leaving Hensley and Hamblett to carry on as a duo - although last year, the original four announced that they had reunited for new music and a tour.
Last month fans were left disappointed when the comeback tour was axed abruptly without explanation, and now Hensley has revealed that he has officially departed the band.
"To all the Union J fans, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to say I am no longer continuing on my journey as a member of Union J," he wrote in a statement on social media.
"Since day one, our family of fans has brought me love, light and support and has been the main reason for me being such a driving force within the band.
"Last year was the best year of my life being back out on stage with the boys and being in front of you all again.
"I hoped and dreamed of all possibilities afterwards, but this has not happened for several reasons, and therefore, out of love & respect to the family of fans and my integrity as an artist, I cannot sit and watch the legacy that I have tried to sustain for a decade decay any further.
"I will continue to carry artistry, integrity and creativity as my driving force, but now is the time to focus the energy I have consistently put into Union J into myself and create art and music for us all to enjoy together.
"I truly love you, forever yours."
The three remaining members of the group have yet to comment publicly on Hensley's departure.
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