Keisha 'starts work on solo material'

Keisha Buchanan has revealed that she is already working on solo material.

The singer, who was ousted from Sugababes last month, confirmed on Twitter that she has been in the studio twice over the past week.

"Studio 2morrow," she wrote earlier this week, adding yesterday: "Back in the studio!!!!!!!! Feels great!!!!"

The 24-year-old, who retained a recording contract with Island Records after leaving the group, has amassed widespread support as she prepares to embark on a solo career.

R&B singer Ne-Yo has expressed an interest in recording with her, while Jay Sean praised her "amazing" voice after the pair teamed up earlier this year.

"We got in the studio and did a track called 'Fire Away', which is a beautiful song. Keisha is a great songwriter and we both wrote it together," he said.

"Hopefully you'll be hearing that by the end of the year. She's got an amazing voice."

Buchanan formed Sugababes with Siobhan Donaghy and Mutya Buena in 1998 and was the only original member before her departure last month. She was replaced by former Eurovision entrant Jade Ewen.