The Sugababes were inspired to compose the song based upon the different situations experienced on a night out; they wrote it in collaboration with Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins, Niara Scarlett, Shawn Lee, Lisa Cowling, Andre Tegler, Phil Fuldner and Michael Bellina.

The song received rave reviews from critics, who commended its production and appeal, and was nominated for Best British Single at the 2005 BRIT Awards.

The Sugababes wrote "In the Middle" in collaboration with Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins, Niara Scarlett, Shawn Lee, Lisa Cowling, André Tegeler, Phil Fuldner and Michael Bellina, for their third studio album, Three (2003).

[1] Group member Heidi Range revealed that the band wanted to write a song with which they could have fun; it was inspired by different situations experienced during a night out.

"[3] Higgins, Xenomania and Jeremy Wheatley produced the song; the latter mixed it at the Town House Studios, London.

Natasha Perry of Contactmusic.com named the song one of Three's "instant winners";[14] Harry Rubenstein from the Jerusalem Post similarly considered it one of the album's best tracks.

[12] The Guardian writer Andrew Mueller regarded "In the Middle" as "vastly superior",[15] while Alan Braidwood of BBC described it as quality pop.

[16] Ben Hogwood of musicOMH questioned the number of songwriters it took to write the track, although cited this as reasons for the "polished production and slicker than slick chorus".

[11] A critic from the Daily Record regarded the song as "addictive and dancey" and wrote that it highlights the group's "considerable charms".

[21] However, the song was added to the category after the BRIT Awards organisers had made an error with the original list, as it was drawn up with the incorrect timescale.

[38] The video was developed in magical settings, as STEELE VFX created "glamorous virtual environments" such as a sparkling glass room.

[38] The video uses the radio edit of the song, which is slightly re-recorded and remixed from the album version, and cuts the chorus between Buchanan's and Range's verses in half.

The Sugababes performed an extended version of "In the Middle" during their UK tour in March and April 2004 to promote Three,[42] in which they were supported by a four-piece band.

[47] The Sugababes performed "In the Middle" on 10 July 2009 at the Riverside Ground in County Durham, England, as part of a set list.