They were one of the biggest girlbands in the early noughties, scoring three UK number ones with their hits Whole Again, Eternal Flame and The Tide Is High.
Yet, Atomic Kitten appeared to not have quite the same pull they once had after only 21 people showed up to their latest concert in Dubai on Wednesday night.
And adding insult to injury, the trio were left down a member after Kerry Katona – who originally left the band in 2000 – dropped out of the International tour after taking sick in India six days ago.
Uh oh: Atomic Kitten appeared to not have quite the same pull they once had after only 21 people showed up to their latest concert in Dubai on Wednesday night
Billed as the ‘Ultimate Ladies’ night’, fans of the much-loved group were left aghast after they arrived to Roda al Bustan Hotel to a largely empty ballroom and not a single original member of the band insight.
The band had performed in the United Arab Emirates a month previous at the WOW That’s What I Call Brunch at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel with members Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Michelle Heaton – who was filling in for Liz McClarnon.
However, the latest gig compromised of Liberty X’s singer Michelle and former Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett.
A source told MailOnline: ‘It was billed as the “Ultimate Ladies’ Night” but only 21 people showed up. Their manager came out looking frantic as the time drew closer to them going on stage and the room stood empty.
When three became two: And adding insult to injury, the trio were left down a member after Kerry Katona – who originally left the band in 2000 – dropped out of the International tour after taking sick in India six days ago
Recently: The band had performed in the United Arab Emirates a month previous at the WOW That’s What I Call Brunch at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel with members Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Michelle Heaton – who was filling in for Liz McClarnon
‘When he realised how small the crowd was they decided to push the show back by an hour. As they waited for the room to fill up, both Michelle and Zoe happily chatted to fans in the lobby.
‘It was then that the girls told concert goers that Kerry had to pull out of the tour after she had taken ill before their gig in Mumbai six days ago.’
Despite not drawing a crowd for the one-off event – which cost £41 per ticket – the two girls took to the stage to entertain those that were there and ‘did their best’ performing for an hour according to the insider.
The source added: ‘Everyone’s heart went out to them but they were very professional and showed that the show must go on. Michelle did say it had been a tough week.’
MailOnline have contacted Atomic Kitten and Kerry Katona’s reps for comment.
Pros: Michelle and former Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett were left a duo in Mumbai when Kerry took ill
The British pop band formed in 1998 and took the UK by storm with the release of their Double Platinum album Right Now in 2000.
Whole Again became the trio most successful single going straight into the number one spot for four consecutive weeks.
In 2013 the original band reformed as part of ITV2’s reality series the Big Reunion show, 13 years after Kerry originally left and was replaced by Jenny Frost.
Speaking at the time, Natasha revealed in an interview with This Morning that she was left heartbroken when Kerry decided to leave the group.
Natasha said: ‘I found it hard when Kerry left because she was like my big sister. She was in my life everyday and when she left I was really really gutted and it took me a long time to get over that.’
In February, it was announced that fellow popstar Michelle Heaton would be filling in for Liz as they embarked on an international tour dates because she’s terrified of flying.
Speaking on Lorraine at the time, Michelle said: ‘We’ve been friends for years and as you know Liz doesn’t do long-haul flights very well and she didn’t feel comfortable going all the way to Australia.
‘The girls asked whether I would step in and I was over the moon! I was like I get to be in Atomic Kitten.’
Delighted to have onboard, Kerry heaped praised on Michelle, sharing: ‘She’s a fully-fledged Kitten. She’s doing really well.’
Joining the band: In February, it was announced that fellow popstar Michelle Heaton would be filling in for Liz as they embarked on an international tour dates because she’s terrified of flying
Jet-setting: Speaking on Lorraine at the time, Michelle said: ‘We’ve been friends for years and as you know Liz doesn’t do long-haul flights very well and she didn’t feel comfortable going all the way to Australia