EMI have reportedly offered Blue boy Duncan James a £500,000 recording contract to secure to rights to his solo projects in 2005 while the boy band, signed to EMI's Innocent imprint, take a year off.
James is reported as saying: "It's very exciting. It will be so different to working as a group. I'll miss the boys but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Meanwhile an optimistic 'insider' told reporters: "We have high hopes. His experience with Blue is invaluable. He is an experienced performer and won't be phased."