Nineteen-year-old Sarah Keating from Barna, Galway was last night revealed as the sixth member of 6, the band which has emerged from the RTÉ Popstars talent contest.
She replaces Nadine Coyle, the 16-year-old who was asked to leave the band because she lied about her age.
Nadine could not be contacted yesterday but a source close to the Derry teenager said she was already aware of the identity of her replacement. "Nadine knows Sarah and thinks she has an amazing voice and a great personality. She wishes her and the band every success."
Sarah could not be contacted yesterday either and was said to be out of the country. While her name was only revealed last night, the group has been together and in training for about two months, mainly in London and Sweden. Last night's programme was made about two months ago.
This week the group is making a video in London and further episodes will follow its progress, ending on February 17th, a week after the launch of its first single.
The members of 6 were chosen from the more than 5,000 people who entered the RTÉ contest.
The group is managed by Louis Walsh and has a contract with the British record company BMG. RTÉ will receive 5 per cent of profits from record sales.