Time out for sick Kittens

Natasha, Jenny and Liz are all taking time out

All three members of girl group Atomic Kitten have been struck by illness, forcing them to take a month-long sabbatical.

The chartopping act have all come down with ailments which prevents them from singing, their publicists have said.

Atomic Kitten shot to fame earlier this year when their single Whole Again stayed at number one for a rare four weeks.

Following their hectic publicity schedule, doctors have ordered them to have complete rest from live performances for a month.

Promoters The Outside Organisation said the most serious was Natasha Hamilton, who has developed nodules leaving her unable to sing or talk.

Clinical exhaustion

Jenny Frost, who replaced a pregnant Kerry Katona in the line-up, has bronchial problems and tonsillitis.

She has already taken two weeks off work to recover.

Liz McClarnon has been clinically diagnosed with exhaustion.

A statement read: "These ailments preclude the girls from singing live at the moment.

"Atomic Kitten have been ordered to take one month's complete break from all live performances by doctors."

Whole Again is still hanging on at number 21 in the charts, making it one of the biggest sellers of the year.

Fans can expect a new single at the end of July which will be followed by an attempt to crack the United States market in the autumn.