Charlotte Church 'dropped' by record company

The flamboyant star, who has said she wants to concentrate on television presenting, split with Sony BMG after a series of meetings.

Although her publicist has denied she has been dumped by the company, there is speculation that poorer-than-expected performance may have contributed to the split.

Her spokeswoman said: "The five album deal came to an end and both Sony BMG and Charlotte decided not to renew it.

"It was a mutual decision."

The 20-year-old was taken on by the leading record company at the age of 12, and she recorded debut classical album 'Voice of an Angel', which entered the charts at number four, staying there for 20 weeks.

But her pop music efforts have not been as successful.

Miss Church's 2005 album 'Tissues and Issues' reached number five in the charts.

Although 'Crazy Chick', the first single released on the album, entered the charts at number two, Miss Church's second offering 'Call My Name' only reached number 10.

Subsequent singles 'Even God Can't Change The Past' reached just 17 in the charts, and 'Moodswings (To Come At Me Like That)', only reached 14.

And after the singles failed do well in Australia, it was announced earlier this year that no singles would be released for the all-important US market until a number one hit was achieved.

But this never happened.

In contrast, her Channel 4 programme 'The Charlotte Church Show', has done well, despite initial criticism of its controversial style.

Channel 4 chiefs were bombarded with complaints when the first episode was aired in September this year.

Miss Church's dialogue, peppered with expletives, drove viewers to condemn the programme as 'coarse, crude and filthy'.

But nevertheless the show, a mixture of music, comedy sketches and interviews, attracted an average audience of 1.9 million and a 10 per cent share of viewers, above the usual average figures for a first series.

The show finished on October 13, but the Welsh performer has agreed to do another two series of the Friday night programme, in a deal rumoured to be worth £1.2 million.

Channel 4 head of entertainment and comedy Andrew Newman said: "Charlotte has proved herself to be a hugely talented star and has got better and better each week.

"She has become an incredibly charismatic all-round entertainer while remaining 100 per cent natural, relaxed, down to earth and completely unfazed by her stardom."

Miss Church's publicist said: "Charlotte is not in a rush to consider any new long-term recording deals because the record company industry is in a state of flux.

"For the moment TV presenting suits her lifestyle as there is less travelling involved." A Christmas special of 'The Charlotte Church Show' will be aired on Channel 4.