Gwen Stefani, lead singer of No Doubt, has reassured fans that her band is not splitting up.

A report in People magazine quotes the pop star saying, "I thought it would be a good publicity stunt to say we were breaking up, but really we're not."

Stefani and her band have decided to concentrate on 'independent projects'.

The 34 year-old singer is most excited about her solo CD, which she describes as a "fun '80s-inspired retro dance album".

She is also making a brief appearance in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, which starts shooting in November, also features Cate Blanchett, Jude Law, and Kate Beckinsale. Stefani essays the tragic character of the sexy actress Jean Harlow.

Photograph: Getty Images