'We have now come to the end of our incredible time together': Girls Aloud confirm split after final reunion gig

When they last parted ways in 2009, they assured fans they were just 'on hiatus'.
But on Wednesday night, after wrapping their Ten: The Hits Tour, Girls Aloud devastated fans when they announced they would be splitting for good.
Following their gig in Liverpool, the five-piece announced on their Twitter page their time as a group had come to an end.Scroll down for video

It's over! Girls Aloud (L-R) Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts have officially disbanded

Time to say goodbye: The girls officially called time on their union at their gig at Liverpool's Echo Arena on Wednesday night

They tweeted: 'Dear Alouders, we just want to say from the bottom of our hearts Thank you!! This tour has been an amazing experience and the perfect chance to say thank you for being on this journey with us through a decade.
'It has far exceeded any of our dreams and we hope we are forever your inspiration and reminder that dreams really do glitter!! Your love and support will stay with us forever but we have now come to the end of our incredible time together. Love you lots.'
Earlier that day, Cheryl Cole had hinted the end was in sight with some cryptic tweets.

Big announcement: Girls Aloud announced they were parting ways on Twitter

Goodbye: The band all looked emotional as they embraced each other on stage

It's over: Every member of Girls Aloud sobbed during their final two songs in Liverpool on Wednesday night

She wrote: 'Last show !!! When did that happen ??! It was just 5 minutes ago we were starting rehearsals! Feel like I've been in a time machine.
'And now we're here !! One of my favourite places ever for the last show !! Liverpool!!! LETS GOOOOO...
'To the people that haven't been able to make it, for what ever reason, we feel your support regardless and have done for 10 yrs..

Emotional: Kimberley hugged Sarah as they said a teary goodbye to 10 years in the world of pop

Ladies in red: Cheryl and Kimberley looked positively showstopping as they took to the stage in floor-length scarlet sequin gowns

'To the people that have been to almost as many shows as we have lol let's make this a celebration of the past 10 years
Although the news was somewhat expected given their reluctance to confirm any projects together following the 20-gig tour, fans will understandably be upset.
Girls Aloud confirmed their reunion in October by releasing their video to Something New online, before performing live for the first time in three years during Children In Need.

Reflective: Cheryl praised their fans on her Twitter feed

Checkmate: Both Cheryl and Kimberley showed off their incredible figures in a series of skimpy outfits as they took to the stage on Wednesday night

Moving on: Cheryl admitted she felt as though she had been in a 'time machine' in the 10 years since Girls Aloud started out

They reunited to mark the 10th anniversary of their formation on TV talent show Popstars: The Rivals.
Ahead of their comeback, they last performed as a group when they supported Coldplay at Wembley back in September 2009.
At the time, the girls had already gone on hiatus earlier that year, but briefly reunited for the rock gig.
Despite heavy promotion and appearances on Children In Need and Strictly Come Dancing, their comeback single Something New was beaten to the top by Olly Murs's single Troublemaker. 

Girls' last gig. Girls Aloud confirm split after reunion tour

Emotions running high: It all seemed to be a bit too much for Sarah, with her breaking down in tears at one point

Fierce: The girlband seemed determined to go out in style as they said a final farewell to their fans

A final farewell: The girls made sure to bow out with an incredible final show in Liverpool

Their comeback album Ten charted at No.9

Something New ended up in the No.2 spot, however their follow-up single Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me was their lowest performing release to date, ending up at No.97 in December.
Their new album Ten, a compilation which also features four new tracks, ended up at No.9 in the UK charts following its release.
During their first seven years in the charts, the group had 20 top 10 hits, including four No.1 singles and a No.1 album.
Despite their success in the UK and Ireland, the band were relatively unknown in mainland Europe.
Aside from their 2003 cover of Eighties track Jump for the Love Actually soundtrack, Girls Aloud's biggest hit in Europe has been Sounds Of The Underground hitting number 9 in the Netherlands charts.