Simply Red to split after pre-Xmas tour

Simply Red have reportedly announced that they are to split at the end of December.

Frontman Mick Hucknall confirmed last year that the band were planning to part ways.

According to the Daily Star, the group has now decided to say farewell with a string of pre-Christmas dates.

A statement from Hucknall read: "Welcome to the final year of 25 mind-blowing years. What an adventure it has been!

"We want to share this closing anniversary with all the people who have enjoyed our sound throughout the years. Celebrate it and gently move on to the second half of a musical story. We all hope to see you at a show somewhere soon."

Final dates get underway in Belfast on December 8 and conclude with two nights at London's O2 arena.