Amelle: 'Heidi is an original Sugababe'

Amelle Berrabah has claimed that Heidi Range deserves to be classed as an original Sugababe.

Fans have questioned whether the girlband should continue to use the name Sugababes following the recent departure of Keisha Buchanan, who was the only remaining founding member.

However, Berrabah has now pointed out that the group did not have their 2002 breakthrough hit 'Freak Like Me' until Range replaced Siobhan Donaghy.

Speaking to the Daily Star, she commented: "Heidi was in the Sugababes for the first number one so in my eyes she is an original bandmate."

The singer also assured fans that forthcoming album Sweet 7 will not be the final Sugababes release.

She said: "It's happy days now and there will definitely be more Sugababes after this album."

Eurovision star Jade Ewen was unveiled as Buchanan's replacement in the band earlier this week.