'We are utterly heartbroken': Union J furiously deny George Shelley was kicked out of the band and shut down 'jealously' claims in defiant statements

Union J were forced to deny claims George Shelley was kicked out of the band over a lack of commitment after revealing they'd given him an ultimatum about his position on Friday.

Jaymi Hensley, JJ Hamblett and Josh Cuthbert admitted they were 'heartbroken' as they confirmed George's decision to no longer be part of the four-piece group was mutual in individual, defiant statements posted on their Twitter accounts.

The former X Factor contestants took to social media to clarify exactly what had happened after the I'm A Celeb star claimed they were 'jealous' of his external success in a statement via his agent. 

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'We are utterly heartbroken': Union J have furiously denied George Shelley was kicked out of the band and shut down 'jealously' claims as they released defiant statements on their individual Twitter accounts on Friday

Jaymi, 26, insisted there was no bad blood between the boys and George following recent events, telling his followers: 'I want it to come from my hand that I am very proud of George, the person he is and everything he has so far and will continue to achieve.

'He will always remain my brother! Of courseI am utterly heartbroken that we are no longer a four and I am going to miss him beyond belief.

'I can certainly say this decision has not come from any bad feeling, jealousy or anything else of that nature!'

Josh, 23, echoed his band mates' sentiments, writing: 'I'll always love him and see him as a friend, we all shared amazing memories together.'

'He will always be my brother': Jaymi Hensley wrote as he insisted their was no bad blood between the boys and 22-year-old George

'We're totally supportive': Jaymi, 26, reiterated the fact that George's decision to quit was mutual after reports claimed they had kicked him out of the group

Where it all began: Union J rose to fame on the 2012 series of The X Factor in which they finished in fourth place

Father-of-one JJ added he wishes George 'the best of luck' and promised fans the boy band have some 'very EXCITING things coming your way' in his own lengthy message.

Additionally, the lads took to their Facebook page to share a joint statement which read: 'In 2012 we started something that has been the centre of our lives ever since, a band and project that is now family to us - Union J.

'Through two incredible albums, successful tours and a lot of fun along the way, the four of us have all enjoyed this incredible journey. But with time, comes change and a difference in aspirations. So, as we prepare to go back into the studio to work on new material, George will not be continuing on this journey with us.

'I'll always love him': Josh, 23, echoed his band mates' sentiments, insisting they will remain friends with George

Pastures new: Since coming second on the latest series of I'm A Celebrity, the 22-year-old has secured a semi-permanent role on Capital FM, alongside Lilah Parsons

The show must go on: JJ, 27, promised their devout fans they have some exciting things in the pipeline in his individual statement

Holding his head high: George acknowledged the speculation with this defiant selfie after claiming, via his agent, that the Union J boys were 'jealous' of his external success

'George will now be following his own path and career no longer as part of Union J. This is a mutual decision between the four of us, and we will always remain close. In time we will announce our new plans for 2016 and likewise we will be following George’s career and wish him all the best in his endeavours. Jaymi, JJ, Josh & George.'

Hours later, 22-year-old followed up his former band mates' separate statements with a post which detailed his version of events.

It began: 'I was shocked and bemused to wake up this morning to reports I had been "kicked out" of Union J.'

Having his say: George admitted he was 'shocked' and 'bemused' to wake up to reports he'd been 'kicked out' of the boy band in his own statement

He then explained the four-piece were due to release an official joint statement which had been agreed by everyone the morning Josh, Jaymi and JJ's quotes were published in The Sun on Friday.

George continued: 'I have had an incredible journey with the band and will always be grateful for the experience but to imply that my "diva behaviour" and "lack of commitment" led to the end of my journey with Union J is both hurtful and untrue.

'Despite the boys' decision to announce the future of the band in this way, I still wish them the very best.' 

George's statement was prompted by the band's interview in Friday's edition of the daily newspaper in which Josh revealed he had given him an ultimatum about his 'lack of commitment' and future in the band.

Making it clear: The group released a joint statement on their official Facebook page to clarify exactly what had happened

However, relations turned sour when George claimed the remaining members are 'simply jealous' of the success he's experienced, following his stint in the ITV  jungle in January, via his agent.

A spokesperson for the singer-turned-radio-host told the Mirror: 'George had agreed to be totally magnanimous towards them, but unfortunately this has not been reciprocated.

'He is an utterly charming and hard working individual - not a diva in the slightest.'

Since finishing in second place in the popular reality series, George has secured a semi-permanent presenting role on Capital FM's Breakfast Show and is set to star in a new BBC Three comedy-crime programme, entitled Murder in Successville. 

MailOnline is awaiting comment from George's management.  

Union J originally consisted of Jaymi, JJ and Josh with George joining as the fourth member in 2012 when they auditioned for The X Factor.

They finished in fourth place and signed a record deal shortly afterwards. 

'Writing again': George revealed he was back in the studio and writing his own music in this recent Instagram post before the quit announcement