KSI announces exit from the Sidemen following Britain’s Got Talent success

He issued an emotional statement.

In an emotional video shared on YouTube today, KSI confirmed his ‘painful decision’.

“This is honestly the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life,” the 32-year-old began.

"I've gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I've spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

"But after a lot of thought, I've decided that I'm no longer [going to] be doing sidemen videos. Today, the 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video. Even saying those words out loud doesn't feel real."

Looking back over his time in the group, he continued: "The Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12-13 years. For almost half my life, this Sidemen has been my second family. We've grown up together. We've travelled the world together. We built something that none of us ever thought was possible, especially back then, when we were making random videos together and playing GTA.

“I still remember those early days with no idea that 10s of millions of people were going to be watching us on the channel. And somehow, that turned into an incredible journey. Together we've done things I never thought were possible. We've sold out arenas, we sold out stadiums. We've broken records. We've made Netflix shows, we've done a lot, and we've shared so many good moments on YouTube, and those moments will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“We've been there for each other through some of the highest highs and lowest lows of our lives. I've watched these boys grow into incredible men. I've watched them grow into fathers. I've watched them grow into husbands. And I'm so incredibly grateful to experience that journey alongside them."

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, insisted that the truth behind his departure was that "nothing bad had happened", and the decision was "completely my own".

He explained that he had begun to "lose balance" in his life after being pulled in different directions, and hoped to use his free time to focus on "the people I love."

“Over the last few years, I've felt myself being pulled in more directions than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I've been running at full speed at 100mph,” he reflected.

“I've spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down.

“But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life. I've found it hard to make enough time for myself. I've definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I've found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I've realised that something has to change.

“The Sidemen deserve somebody who can give 100%. And right now, I know I can't do that. It just wouldn't be fair to the boys. It wouldn't be fair to you. And it wouldn't be fair to myself. Walking away from something you love is painful. Trust me, it’s not been easy. But deep down, I know it's the right thing to do. Those boys helped shape who I am today. And I hope in some small way I helped shape who they became, too.”

He then went on to shout out his former co-stars Behzinga, Miniminter, TBJZL, Vikkstar and Zerkaa, and those who had worked on their content behind the scenes.

“Thank you all for the memories. Thank you, boys, for the friendship. And to all of you watching, thank you," he concluded.

"Thanks for giving the group a career beyond our wildest dreams. I hope you'll continue supporting the boys because they deserve it.

"They're still going to do amazing things, I know. They're still going to make incredible content. And I'll definitely be watching alongside all of you. But for now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work-life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”

KSI first rose to fame on YouTube, where he continues to attract millions of views. After establishing himself on the platform, he branched into music, collaborating with Craig David, and later stepped into the boxing ring to face Logan Paul and Tommy Fury.

Last year, he had a stint as a guest judge on BGT before being unveiled as a full-time member of the panel for the most recent series, which ended last night.