Matt Johnson, former singer with failed Popstars band One True Voice, has signed a solo record deal.

The 17-year-old, originally from Deeside, north Wales, will stay with the band's label Jive Records and release his first single "in the near future."

"A band split has been confirmed," said a statement from Jive. "However, Matt, signed to Jive... is to start on a solo project and is hoping to release a single in the near future."

The group decided to spilt earlier this week after just eight months. OTV's troubles began just weeks after they formed when they were pipped to the Christmas number one spot by rival Popstars band Girls Aloud. Their second single barely made it into the top ten, causing lead singer Daniel Pearce to quit. The final straw came when Anton Gordon quit last weekend.