Girls Aloud are reportedly set to reform next year without Nadine Coyle.
Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts are said to be planning a comeback as a foursome.
'It's been a painful decision, but they've decided that the future of Girls Aloud lies without Nadine,' a source tells The Sun.
'They've all been on a roller-coaster ride since 2002, and have just grown apart from Nadine.
'Disputes began cropping up towards the final days of the band before they went on a hiatus.
'The four remaining girls want to return on their own terms.'
Earlier this year Nicola admitted that the band hadn't spoken to Nadine in months.
Nadine, 25, is currently based in LA working on solo material and only found out about Cheryl's malaria infection via Twitter.
SEE PICTURES The life of Cheryl Cole>>
FASHION GALLERY SPECIAL Cheryl Cole's fashion history - the highs and the lows>>
CELEBRITY HAIR Cheryl Cole: From corn rows to
curls>>
Kate Lucey
