Louisa Johnson was shocked to hear Neil Milan had quit Clean Bandit – as he never mentioned it.
The 18-year-old singer collaborated with the electronic pop group – also comprised of Grace Chatto and Jack and Luke Patterson – on the violinist’s last song with the band called ‘Tears’ and would never have guessed that he had plans to leave.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Louisa said: "I saw it on Twitter actually. There was no sign of anything really, they were all fine and i think it was just a case of he wanted to move on, and he does DJing I think so maybe he just wanted to concentrate on that – I don’t really know the full ins and outs."
And Neil’s former bandmate Jack admitted it was a massive "shock" when they found out through an email.
At the time, he said: "It was a surprise. It was a shock. When we actually got the email it was a real shock."
Jack says it has been a "tough" thing to come to terms with, however, they accept that Neil is "a lot happier" now.
He said: "It’s sad. It’s been a tough time but I think we’ve all come together to make it work and put in a lot of effort and I think he’s a lot happier now as well. now that he’s left and only good things will come from it."
Neil – who was previously romantically linked to Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander – announced the news to his fans via Twitter.
He wrote: "hello everyone, I have decided to leave clean bandit. it was a decision that took me a very long time to reach but it is the right one. so many people have made these last four years quite unbelievable and I am so thankful for it all. meeting (and tweeting) you guys has been really so incredible I have learned so much and seen so many things and it will all stay with me forever. your support for the music and just for me more generally is one of the most insane and amazing things I have ever experienced. (sic)."
Louisa Johnson shocked by Neil Milan’s Clean Bandit exit
