Union J split: George Shelley departs due to other members' 'jealousy'

The singer has enjoyed a new broadcasting career following a stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here

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Boyband Union J have kicked out I'm a Celebrity's George Shelley citing his lack of commitment since appearing on the ITV reality series as the main reason.

But Shelley has hit out at these claims, his spokesperson suggesting his former bandmate's were "jealous he has achieved the start of an exciting new career and they have not."

The three remaining bandmates, Josh Cuthbert, JJ Hamblett and Jaymi Hemsley, told The Sun: “George was in a position where he did the jungle, he came off it and his head space was different to ours."

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Cuthbert continued: “Using a sporting analogy, he wanted to turn up to the big matches but not turn up to training.”

“I wrote a really strong email; we basically gave him an ultimatum. It was, ‘You’re either in the band or you’re not’.

Hensley has described Union J's loss of Shelley as a "heart-breaking" move.

Shelley's spokesperson stated: "It was a mutual decision for George to leave Union J so he could focus on his broadcasting and acting career.

“George had agreed to be totally magnanimous towards them, but unfortunately, this has not been reciprocated.”

Originally known as Triple J, Shelley joined the band on ITV singing contest The X Factor having been axed as a solo act ahead of the live shows.

The band will continue, replacing Shelley in a couple of weeks.