Richard Hadfield opens up about devastating Collabro feud as he shows off dramatic makeover and bounces back with catchy new single
Classical singer has no regrets after rift with bandmates prompted him to walk away minutes after the Britain's Got Talent final
FORMER Collabro star Richard Hadfield has confirmed he left the band because of a devastating feud with his bandmates over his solo music.
The singer has declared it was a "shame" to end his career with the group on such a low note, but insists he is much happier on his own.
He has also told The Sun Online exclusively that he has lost two-and-a-half stone as part of a dramatic makeover while he plots his next career move.
The Sun previously broke the news that Richard had dramatically quit the group shortly after they performed on the live BGT spectacular last month.
We also exclusively revealed creative differences had led to boiling tensions in the band in the run-up to the big show, and Richard has now confirmed he just couldn't continue.
He is now determined to put the feud behind him by bouncing back with a new solo single and an incredible makeover.
When asked about our revelation that his bandmates were unhappy with his decision to release cover songs on his YouTube channel, Richard told The Sun Online: "It's true but it’s now my chance to put that environment behind me.
"I can't wait to surround myself with positivity and the people I love working with."
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He was contracted to perform one more gig with the band before walking away for good, and he admits relations remain frosty, but professional.
The singer explained: "We nodded, we smiled, we sung. I wish them the best. It's a shame it had to end this way but life's got a funny way of pointing you in the right direction."
He also insisted he misses the fans who have supported the group during their rise to fame: "It's like a family.
"Lots have said they will continue to follow me, others not so nice about the whole situation. I think people obviously are going to be upset but I really need people to know one thing.
"I left not for more fortune, not for more fame but for pure happiness."
Richard has undergone a dramatic makeover by shedding two-and-a-half stone, and he is planning a photoshoot to show off the results.
He added: "I've lost loads of weight - two and a half stone and counting! Stay tuned, I will be doing a before and after shoot in the next few weeks which I am excited about and I may even include a few new bod shots in the next video."
His future ambitions include making a solo album and maybe a turn on the dance floor as he is keen to land a place in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
He explained: "Would absolutely love to do it but might have to squeeze a few lessons in before hand, unless you wanna see me dad dance my way through the comp?"
His latest single is a cover of The Killers' Mr. Brightside, which he is realsing through his Swingfield YouTube channel.
The name of his channel is "a combination of swing and my last name Hadfield" and he started his sideproject to indulge his love of swing music.
Richard added: "All of the other boys had side projects so I thought it was my opportunity to get creative but also I just absolutely adore swing music.
"It's where my career began. I started out busking when I was 16, singing the Sinatra standards on the streets of Brighton."
He is hoping to continue releasing covers on YouTube, and wants his next project to be a Rihanna classic.
Richard said: "I'd love to do a solo album! I've got so many ideas. I want to continue to make music and release it wether that be on YouTube or iTunes or anywhere else for that matter!...
"I've also got plans to do a showcase of this incredible song I'm currently working on.
"It's a Rihanna classic but like you've never heard it before. I can't wait for it to be ready to release!"