On Monday, The Sun claimed the group had decided to get back together after Hawkins and his bandmate and brother Dan resolved a long-running feud.

A source added that the pair had been reunited by drummer Ed Graham, who recently became a father.

But responding to the claims on Twitter, Hawkins said: “Whoever paid this 'source' should really ask for their money back, because what they have bought is essentially horse shit.

“If there was any truth in the Darkness reunion rumour then it wouldn't be a rumour.

“However, delighted to read that The Sun would be glad to have us back. Warmed my cockles no end!”

Justin left the group in 2006 in order to undergo rehabilitation for drug addiction, but the rest of the band initially carried on without him.

(by Jason Gregory)