It's official, George Shelley is no longer part of Union J.
The
I'm A Celebrity runner-up was given an ultimatum from his band mates, through an email, asking him to choose whether or not he wanted to stay in the band.
Josh Cuthbert revealed the news with
The Sun explaining the change since George came out of the jungle and compared his commitment to a sports star saying, “George was in a position where he did the jungle, he came off it and his head space was different to ours.
"Using a sporting analogy, he wanted to turn up to the big matches but not turn up to training.”
The band have issued this statement on their
Facebook page regarding George's departure:
"Union J - 2016
Moving Forward
In 2012 we started something that has been the centre of our lives ever since, a band and project that is now family to us - Union J.
Through two incredible albums, successful tours and a lot of fun along the way, the four of us have all enjoyed this incredible journey. But with time, comes change and a difference in aspirations.
So, as we prepare to go back into the studio to work on new material, George will not be continuing on this journey with us. George will now be following his own path and career no longer as part of Union J. This is a mutual decision between the four of us, and we will always remain close.
In time we will announce our new plans for 2016 and likewise we will be following George’s career and wish him all the best in his endeavours.
Jaymi, JJ, Josh & George"
A rep for George also released this statement:
"George left Union J as he had been offered a two-year contract with Capital Radio and a contract with the BBC. He wants to focus now on broadcasting. He is beyond charming and not a diva at all.
"The other members of Union J are simply jealous he has achieved the start of a new career and they have not. George had agreed to be totally magnanimous towards them."
