S Club Puffs deal up in smoke

Drug revelations have rocked the group

Cereal firm Quaker Oats has played down reports it axed S Club 7 from its Sugar Puffs adverts after three of the group were caught smoking cannabis.

Confirming talks had been held about a link-up, the company said there had been no definite deal on the table.

The three male members of the group, Bradley McIntosh, 18, Paul Cattermole, 24, and Jon Lee, 19, were cautioned by police on 20 March for possessing cannabis in Covent Garden, central London.

They later apologised to their fans for being "stupid".

A spokesman for Quaker Oats confirmed that discussions had been held with S Club 7's management company 19.

He said: "Talks were held with 19 Management as they are with various groups but no contract was actually agreed.

"The talks are not continuing."

The company is now looking elsewhere for a suitable personality or group to feature in a future advertising campaign.

S Club 7 also front advertisements for BT and Cadbury's but both companies are to stick with the group.