Pop fans woke up to the shock news this morning that British boy band JLS will split up.

The group – Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams, Aston Merrygold and Croydon's Jonathan "JB" Gill – said they had decided to end their five years together after releasing a new album 'Goodbye: The Greatest Hits' later this year.

They will also carry out their already announced plans to go on tour, which will now be called 'Goodbye: The Greatest Hits Tour'.

Your Local Guardian: JLS star JB shows his passion for farming

 Could JB really become a farmer?

The statement said: "To each and every JLSter, our beloved fans around the world. We wanted to make sure that you heard it from the four of us, that we have decided to bring our time as a band to an end.

"It has been the most incredible journey over the last six years and we have achieved more things than we could have ever dreamed possible.

"Thanks to all of you guys, your support, your dedication and your love, you have changed our lives forever and we wouldn’t be where we are today without you."

The group achieved fame as they finished runners-up in ITV talent show The X Factor, quickly becoming one of the most successful boybands in British history, scoring five number 1 songs and selling more than 10 million records worldwide.

So what next for 26-year-old JB?

  • GO SOLO

After moving to Croydon from Antigua at age five, JB flourished musically, joining a church choir and studying at the Centre for Young Musicians in Lambeth. 

But within JLS, Aston and Marvin are regarded as the group's front men. Will JB now step into the limelight on his own?

  • PLAY RUGBY

JB left the choir at school to concentrate on a possible career in rugby and was at one point involved with London Irish rugby club.

At age 26 it is probably too late for him to ever represent England in a Six Nations tournament, but stranger things have happened...

  • JOIN CROYDON'S BRIT SCHOOL AS A TEACHER

Before going to university, JB took up vocal coaching at age 18. What better place to pass on his singing expertise than at Croydon's BRIT school?

The school is famous for producing many of the UK's top pop artists, including Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Jessie J.

Or perhaps he could rekindle his interest in theology - which JB studied at Kings College London for a short time before deciding to drop out to become a pop star.

  • BECOME A DEER FARMER

JB told the Sun newspaper that he has bought a deer farm in Scotland.

Worldwide demand for venison has significantly increased in recent years and deer farms have multiplied in Scotland to compete with international competition from New Zealand and continental Europe. 

But is it a sound investment? Only time will tell....

Have your say: what career advice would you give JB? Leave a comment below or email our showbiz team at newsdesk@croydonguardian.co.uk.