Sugababes performing live at Sandown Racecourse, Surrey, England - 16.08.06

HEIDI RANGE and KEISHA BUCHANAN and were stunned by Buena's decision to quit the successful three piece, despite enjoying chart-topping hits such as FREAK LIKE ME and HOLE IN THE HEAD.

Range says, "It was a complete shock to Keisha and I and we thought at one stage, that's it - we're going to split up."

It was their manager, MARK HARGREAVES, who persuaded the girls to stick with it and recruit new member AMELLE BERRABAH as a replacement for Buena.

Buchanan says, "It was a bittersweet time. I was upset Mutya had gone - we'd known each other since she was nine - but really happy Amelle could join us.

"The change has been good. We're doing as well as ever."