Despite long-standing claims Girls Aloud would split after their reunion tour, they only agreed earlier this week to go their separate ways.

Girls Aloud only agreed to split this week.

The quintet announced on Wednesdaythey were to go their separate ways following their successful 'Ten - The Hits' reunion tour' and despite being dogged by speculation for months that they would call it a day at the end of the run of shows, insiders insist the decision was only agreed a few days ago.

And the final decision was taken because some members of the 'Biology' band - which comprises Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts - are keen to have children.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "They feel like now is the right time to bail out.

"They know they can't be on tour and wearing the outfits they wear on stage when they're mothers."

The group marked their decision and the end of the tour with a wrap party at Vermilion & Cinnabar in Manchester, North West England, where they spent £15,000 on alcohol and partied until 6am.

Though they all joined together on the dancefloor, Nadine - who claimed yesterday she didn't support the split - didn't appear to be in the party mood as she avoided the red carpet to enter via a back entrance.