Westlife have stunned their fans by announcing they are to split ‘amicably’ after a farewell tour next year.
After 14 years and 26 top ten hits the four remaining members of the Irish group said they were looking forward to ‘new ventures’.
In a statement on their website the group said: ‘Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family.’
The boyband produced hit after hit, for many years under the management of X Factor judge Louis Walsh.
Swear It Again and Flying Without Wings were among their number ones, with many of their biggest hits cover versions.
They managed to survive the departure of one of its founding members Bryan McFadden, while singer Mark Feehily won much admiration for announcing he was gay when the band were at the peak of their success.
Feehily, along with Kian Egan , Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne are due to release a greatest hits album at the end of the year.
The statement continued: ‘The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures.
‘We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans. We are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time.’
