Sugababes unveil new band member

LONDON - British girl band the Sugababes have unveiled their new member, a day after singer Mutya Buena announced she was quitting the group.

Amelle Berrabah, 21, will take Buena's place, joining the two remaining members Heidi Range and Keisha Buchanan, the band's official website said.

"For years I've dreamt of breaking into the music business but never did I dream of waking up one day to be the third Sugababe" Berrabah said.

"Like millions of girls my age, I've grown up with Sugababes' music as a soundtrack to my life and I've been a fan of theirs for years. I still can't believe my luck." It is the third line-up for the band, which has had four number one singles in Britain. One of their original members Siobhan Donaghy was replaced by Range in 2001.

Buena said she had made the decision to leave for personal reasons.

"It was very difficult but definitely not a snap decision," Buena said.

"I think there comes a time when everyone wants to re-evaluate their life and what they want out of it. For me that time has now come."

- REUTERS