[Smithy]

Girls Aloud are reportedly considering continuing as a four-piece without Nadine Coyle.

Band member Sarah Harding recently said that she has not seen Coyle for "ages" and is unsure of the group's future, while Kimberley Walsh has previously hinted that Coyle is holding up the group's reunion.

According to the News of the World, the band were angry when they read that Coyle said she has no plans to work on new Girls Aloud material this year.

"They're tired of her mucking them around," a source revealed. "The girls always had the end of 2010 booked in to record their next album and all of them, other than Nadine, still want to go ahead.

"If Nadine refuses they could simply go ahead as the four of them. It's not ideal and they would rather find a way to make it work, but she doesn't seem to be interested in that."

The insider added that Coyle has not been in touch with any of her bandmates recently, explaining: "The other four are still best of friends and have been rallying around Cheryl [Cole] during this tough time. That's very telling and it could be a sign of things to come. The band could survive without her. Some fans would be disappointed but they'd rather Girls Aloud continue with four members than not go on at all."

The source concluded: "Nadine is essentially mucking the other girls around. They are ready and waiting. But it's become clear to us her heart doesn't seem to be in the band."

Cheryl Cole recently confirmed that Girls Aloud have signed a deal to release at least three more albums.