Reports of the hip-pop trio splitting have been circulating since Tulisa Contostavlos was announced as an X Factor judge back in June, but now rapper Dappy has confirmed the speculation.

He told The Mirror: “The band is definitely going to quiet down for the next year and a half to two years.

“We may release some stuff every six months but it will definitely be quieter. Then, at the end of that period, we will do a Greatest Hits or Best of N-Dubz. Then that’ll be it -- finished.”

The 24-year-old said that he is enjoying embarking on a solo career, which will see him release his debut single ‘No Regrets’ on September 19.

He added: “As Dappy I would do my own thing. It would be a dream for me to get a couple of number ones. Then after that, when I feel I’ve done big enough for my singles, I’ll feel that the buzz is big enough to release an album.

“You don’t ever release an album when a label says you should release it. I release it when I feel the buzz is ready.”

He continued: “On my album I’m trying to get Rihanna. She knows about what I’m doing and she’s heard it.

“Also, me and The Wanted are definitely doing a single together and I’m also working with No ID.”

Watch the music video for Dappy’s debut single ‘No Regrets’ below: