Stevens is looking forward to the "challenge" of going solo

The 25-year-old is the first member of the group to go it alone with a recording career since the group announced they were splitting up in April.

She signed to S Club manager and media mogul Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment company and Polydor Records, which released S Club's tracks.

Stevens' deal includes her making four albums and she is set to release her first single My LA-Ex, written by Cathy Dennis, in September.

Stevens said she was looking forward to the challenge of a solo career.

"It's a huge move for me... It's also quite nerve-wracking having been surrounded by my six friends for four years.

S Club broke up in April 2003

"But I love the new single and other material I'm working on and we're all very supportive of each other."

She added that she was "delighted" to be continuing a business relationship with Simon Fuller.

Stevens found fame in April 1999 when the group, then known as S Club 7, starred in BBC One children's show Miami 7.

By that summer, they had topped the singles chart with their first release Bring It All Back.

They went on to have four number ones, sell-out tours, make further TV shows and a movie.

The group's name was shortened last year when Paul Cattermole left.

Soon after, the rest of the group decided to call it a day.