KSI’s Sidemen exit explained after the group said it took them by surprise

KSI officially announced his Sidemen exit yesterday, leaving the huge fanbase of the YouTubers in shock.

And it seems as if the fans weren't the only ones feeling surprised by the news, after a source close to the content creators suggested that they were also 'blindsided' by the announcement.

It's been a big few years for KSI , whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, as he's successfully pivoted away from the YouTube scene, launching Prime with Logan Paul while also enjoying a successful career in music and boxing.

After making his debut as a TV judge on the most recent season of Britain's Got Talent, as well as buying shares in non-league football club Dagenham & Redbridge, it seems as if he is simply too busy for the various demands of being a Sideman member.

The 32-year-old confirmed the news yesterday (31 May), explaining why he felt the need to leave his 'second family' after nearly 13 years of making videos together, but it seems as if that was the first time his friends had heard of it.

The Sidemen have been together for more than a decade (Sidemen)

A source told The Sun: “The boys feel like they’ve been blindsided.

“They’re thinking about doing a diss track in the wake of his departure, but want to wait until they’ve cooled off. They want to use their hurt to propel them to be bigger and better than him going forward.”

'This doesn't change anything for the rest of us'

The Sidemen did issue a statement following the news, in which they wished KSI all the best, but it will certainly force them to evolve their content going forward, whether that's the travel, dating or football videos they put out.

The statement read: "We're sad to share the news that JJ has decided not to continue as part of the Sidemen.

"We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours. This doesn't change anything for the rest of us.

KSI certainly embraced life on Britain's Got Talent (ITV)

"We're still committed to creating the best content, events and shows that we can for you all.

"This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we've got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can't wait to share."

What's next for KSI?

Meanwhile, a KSI source told The Sun that he will focus on his own content going forward, since 'everyone wants a piece of the KSI pie'.

Their statement said: “There’s so much happening behind the scenes, he’s doubling down on creating content and telling bigger stories through his own platforms.

“There are multiple documentaries in development covering his recent Prime FC victory, the Dagenham & Redbridge takeover and several other projects that haven’t been announced yet.

'Everyone wants a piece of the KSI pie', a source claims (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“He recently had the most views in his YouTube history, so he knows what he’s creating now could be even bigger than what people have seen so far.

“Streamers are actively trying to get involved because they know anything with KSI attached generates attention. Everyone wants a piece of the KSI pie right now.

“Brands can see the value he brings, an enormous global audience, genuine influence and a personality that cuts through.

“Whether it’s Prime, music, boxing, football or television, he has an ability to make things culturally relevant.”

So, while Sidemen Sundays might look a lot different going forward, it seems as if we're going to be seeing a lot more of KSI's face on our telly boxes.