JLS have announced that they are splitting up after five years together.

In a statement on their official website the former British X Factor boy band thanked their fans.

“We wanted to make sure that you heard it from the four of us, that we have decided to bring our time as a band to an end,” the statement said.

The band also said they would put together a final album, Goodbye; The Greatest Hits, with a new single to coincide with a farewell tour.

“Goodbye; The Greatest Hits Tour will be the last time that we will perform together as a four and we want to make sure that this tour is the best ever and that we end on a high!

“We will always remain brothers and friends and we will always be your boys.

“Thanks to all of you guys, your support, your dedication and you have changed our lives forever. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.”

JLS have announced that they are splitting up after five years together

JLS first appeared on The X Factor in 2008 finishing second to Alexandra Burke and are made up of Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes, J.B. Gill and Aston Merrygold.

In their time together they have had five number one singles and released four studio albums.

JLS’s debut album is the third biggest-selling X Factor debut ever behind Leona Lewis and One Direction.

One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson tweeted: “Sad to hear about JLS. Wish them all the best of luck in what they go on to do.”

The band will continue to work on the JLS Foundation after they spilt up. The charity was started three years ago.

“As always we will continue to support each other and we hope you will enjoy watching us grow individually in our new chapters going forward. We want to look at this final year as a celebration of all that we have achieved together.

“We hope you can look back and remember all the great moments that you have been responsible for.”

J.B. tweeted to fans: “I also know you will all take this in different ways but we will always be there for you guys even though we are no longer a group!!J x.

“Roll on the greatest hits tour!! The next chapter has begun, watch this space…hehe J x.”

Over their career, JLS have sold more than six million records, won two Brit awards in 2010 and five Mobo awards.

Marvin Humes, 28, married Saturdays singer Rochelle Wiseman last year and they are expecting their first child.

The group launched their own range of condoms and Aston Merrygold is a judge on Sky’s Got To Dance series.

J.B. Gill has developed an interest in farming.

Ahead of their farewell tour they are also playing several festivals across the UK in June, July and August.

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