U.K. pop act Busted, whose self-titled North American debut hit store shelves in October, called it quits Friday (January 14), after Charlie Simpson decided to leave the group.

“I'm incredibly proud of everything that we've achieved in Busted,” Simpson said. “ We've enjoyed some of the best times in our lives together. I wouldn't change one single bit of it. This has been a really difficult decision and I hope the fans will understand.”

Over the past two years, Busted has had eight top-three hits in the U.K., including four number one hits. Both of their U.K. albums have sold more than one million discs each. The group also won Best Pop Act and Best Breakthrough Act at the 2004 BRIT awards.

Group member Matt Willis said, “It's a really sad day for all of us but we've always said that if one member left then we'd call it a day. The last three years have been unbelievable and I'd like to say a massive thank you to all our fans -- you've been amazing.”

"I'm devastated that Charlie has chosen to quit Busted, but I have to respect his decision and I fully support him and wish him all the best for the future,” singer James Bourne said. “I would like to say a personal thank you to all the fans who have made the last three years the best years of my life. I'll remember these years forever.”