Atomic Kitten have confirmed they are taking a break but have denied
reports
they are splitting up permanently.

The decision was made after Natasha Hamilton said she needed time out
because the pressures of stardom meant she was not spending enough time
with
her young son.

Even though the other two band members, Jenny and Liz, are considering
pursuing solo careers during the break, the band's publicists have
denied it
is a permanent split.

Natasha, who gave birth to son Josh in August 2002, said the pressures
of
combining motherhood and pop stardom meant that something had to give.

She said: "I've not really had a moment to be with him consistently and
properly since he was born, having released two albums and six singles
since
2002 and promoted them around the world.

"I knew that the time would come when I'd need to take time out and
luckily
the band's in great shape following a brilliant autumn, and I have
wonderful
mates in Jen and Liz, at my management company and at Innocent Records
who
support me completely."

Atomic Kitten will release a Greatest Hits collection of 14 hit singles
at
the end of March "to mark the end of this era". On February 18, they
will
kick off their stadium tour, ending with a final date in Hull on March
11.

A statement from Atomic Kitten's publicists said: "After nearly five
years
at the top, Atomic Kitten have decided to take a break. The girls' work
ethic has kept them constantly busy, travelling the world several times
over
whilst vigorously promoting each release.

"This has meant they have had few breaks throughout that period and as
a
result Natasha has decided to take a well-earned break after completion
of
the tour's final date in Hull on March 11 to spend quality time with
son
Josh."