COLDPLAY - COLDPLAY STATEMENTS FUEL SPLIT SPECULATION

Rumours that double Brit Award-winners COLDPLAY are to split have been fuelled by a series of statements released by the band's record label.

Parlophone initially denied reports, stating: "Coldplay are categorically not splitting up.

"They are on the road until July, when their 16 month X+Y World Tour ends in Japan. They will then be having a well deserved rest before working on their fourth album."

But the label has since mysteriously amended the tract, substituting it for a vaguer dismissal of an imminent breakup.

The new statement reads: "Coldplay are not quitting.

"They are on the road until July, when their 16 month X+Y World Tour ends in Japan. They will then continue working on new material."

Frontman CHRIS MARTIN announced at yesterday's (15FEB06) Brit Awards ceremony the YELLOW hitmakers have scheduled an indefinite hiatus after their sell-out tour ends.

He told the Earls Court, London audience: "People are fed up with us and so are we.

"You won't see us at one of these for many, many years. We mean it."