[Please be advised that Mega Star are sort of a tabloid and like to exaggerate things to get people's attention. It seems that Nick will be recording a solo album but he doesn't have any plans to leave the group.]

BEN TODD

THE FUTURE of American pop sensations Backstreet Boys was thrown into doubt last night after heart-throb Nick Carter said he's going solo.

"I'm going it alone. My new album will appear in the autumn," Nick told reporters as the band prepared for a gig in front of 28,000 screaming fans in Rome.

"The demo tape will be ready in September at the end of our tour. I'd like to write love songs and do soft rock like Bryan Adams."

Nineteen-year-old Nick's revelation sent the band's record lable Jive into a spin.

They denied the end was in sight for the chart-topping five-piece, but admitted Nick will record some solo material.

Spokesman Pete Berry said: "They're not splitting up.

It's just a recurring rumour that happens every six months.

"I spoke to the band's official photographer who is out with them in Italy today and he said everyone was happy.

"Nick has said at some point he will do a solo record.

"But just like Ronan Keating has with Boyzone, he will stay in the band."

Backstreet Boys, from Orlando, Florida are one of the world's biggest pop acts, having sold more than 30 million albums.

They had their first British No1 two months ago with I Want It That Way.

And they have stormed the charts with tracks like As Long As You Love Me and Quit Playing Games (With My Heart).

Wherever they travel their hotels are always besieged by hysterical teenage girls in scenes reminiscent of Beatlemania.

They are expected to finish all their outstanding shows - including an American tour this winter - before any split occurs.

[Please be advised that Mega Star are sort of a tabloid and like to exaggerate things to get people's attention. It seems that Nick will be recording a solo album but he doesn't have any plans to leave the group.]