Girls Aloud to sign a multi-million pound deal

Girls Aloud are to sign a multi-million pound extension to their record contract.

The quintet's current five-album deal had been due to expire following the release of current album 'Out Of Control' and the group – Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts – have been dogged by rumours they were set to split and launch solo careers, but are set to sign a deal to keep recording and touring for several more years.

A source said: "Girls Aloud are bigger than ever what with their single 'The Promise' and album 'Out of Control' going straight in at number one in the UK.

"Both their label Fascination and the band themselves are delighted at how things are going and are keen to keep the good times rolling.

"There's been a load of false rumours going round suggesting this will be the band's final album and that the girls are planning solo careers. This news will finally put those rumours to rest."

The 'Biology' singers were reportedly the subject of a bidding war between several record companies but were reluctant to move away from their current team.

The source added to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "There have been a lot of labels holding their breath until Girls Aloud came out of their deal, but they're committed to the team around them and wouldn't dream of going elsewhere."

Sarah recently claimed the band didn't have much new material left in them, sparking rumours they were set to split.