80s music icon announces exit from pop group 43 years after winning Eurovision

One of the members of an 80s pop group that soared to victory for the UK at Eurovision has announced that they’re leaving the band.

In 1981, the iconic Bucks Fizz reigned supreme at the song contest, clinching the victory after performing their track Making Your Mind Up.

In recent years, the band have been continuing to perform under a different name – The Fizz – with three of the original members: Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston.

Now, Mike, 69, has revealed that he plans on leaving the group by the end of the year, explaining that he came to his decision for ‘personal reasons’.

The trio shared the announced on Michael Ball’s Radio 2 show, while also posting a statement on social media confirming the huge change.

‘We can confirm, following the Michael Ball show, that Mike will be leaving the group at the end of the year,’ they said.

Sad news for fans of the group (Picture: TV Times via Getty Images)

‘Cheryl & Jay will be continuing as ‘The Fizz’ & a statement from Mike, will follow in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding.’

Speaking on the Radio 2 show, Mike announced that at the end of 2024, ‘I’m going to be leaving.’

Radio host Michael couldn’t contain his shock, asking in disbelief: ‘You’re going to be leaving? For real?!’

As it was joked that Michael could join The Fizz as the third member, he asked Mike: ‘Why have you made that decision?’

The group shared the shocking announcement on social media (Picture: X/@TheFizzCMJ)

The musician answered: ‘Uh… this is personal reasons. It is personal, but… I don’t know. I have decided to go, to leave. I’ve been thinking about it for a long, long time, and I just thought, this is the time to do it.’

Mike added that it’s been 43 years since he’s been in a band with Cheryl, 70, and Jay, 63.

His band members quipped light-heartedly that they were ‘glad to see the back of him’, before confirming that The Fizz will be carrying on in his absence.

After Mike’s departure, Cheryl and Jay will be joined by one or two other men when they perform in the group, they shared, who they insisted have to be of a ‘certain age’.

Michael urged Mike to ‘enjoy’ this year before his exit, while fans expressed their devastation over the news.

Bucks Fizz always knew how to put on a show (Picture: Jorgen Angel/Redferns)

‘Very sad that he’s leaving but I’m sure we wish him all the best,’ Stephen wrote on X.

‘Sad times but thank you for 43 years of music and memories,’ Joanne commented.

Simon shared: ‘Awwww. I hope everything is ok with you all – iconic people who will always leave such treasured memories with us 😊.’

Alan added: ‘Sorry to hear this, hope he is alright and looking forward to his retirement x.’

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