Shane about Gillian
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
Date Unknown
2007
Shane about having more kids
Do you and Gillian want more kids eventually?
"Oh definitely yes, we'd love to but not right now. I’d like to have three or four kids but with nice age gaps in between. It would be perfect in two years to try and have another baby."
2006
Shane - Asian phone interview (November 2006)
The Westlife guys are self-confessed romantics. How romantic are you? "Very romantic. Ask my wife."
2005
Sunday World bits (February 2005)
"If you want to plan to a baby, you can't plan it around a tour 'coz God knows where you'll be. If I'm on stage and Gillian goes into labour, I can't get off stage or we'd be sued by an insurance company. You've got to plan it for when you're off and at the moment we don't know when that will be." [*webmaster edit* yeah right Shane as if ;)]
Do you miss your wife Gillian, who's expecting your first child in June, when on the road? (27th February 2005)
Totally. I see quite a lot of her to be honest, I usually don’t go a week without seeing her.
You have played the normal game and kept girls secret. Has your press always been controlled? (October 2005, virgin.net)
I kept Gillian secret in the early days for her sake because it was very important she had a normal life. She was at college for four years without anyone knowing she was going out with me. I picked her up the day she finished her exams and that was the first anyone knew of it.
(October 2005, virgin.net)
It's pretty good because when I ring up and order flowers for my wife and I give them the credit card details, they haven't got a clue who Shane Filan is, so I know they're not going to keep my number! The paparazzi don't bother us either, so we can live normally and get the best of both worlds.
(25th October 2005, OK! Magazine)
Most of you have been in steady relationships through out the entire time of Westlife. When you look at all the girls going nuts for you, I can't help thinking that it's been a bit of a waste.
Nicky: We are not rock 'n' roll, we don't put anything up our nose and we don't sleep around. I have never had any interest in that side of things. I have been in love with Georgina since the day I saw her when I was a teenager. She's now my wife and none of this success would have meant half as much without her.
Shane: The same goes for me with Gillian. She has helped me keep it together and kept me going when things have got tough.
Shane, it’ll be your first Christmas as a dad. How are you spending it?
It’s our dream Christmas come true with our little baby so I can’t wait to put up the tree – even if she will only be five months old and she won’t know what I’m doing!
It’s an amazing time in my life. Even getting video messages of her giggling into the camera melts my heart.
Has she go any of your vocal talents?
She can scream in the bath loud enough so we’ll have to wait and see!
2004
What is the most romantic thing that you have done? (Taken from a Swedish magazine called "Frida" August)
Shane: "I surprised my wife, Gillian a few years back. I took some time off from the tour rehersing, flew to Ireland, rented a Porsche, wich I filled with flowers and called Gillian from my mobile phone. I pretended to still be in London. A few minutes later I rang on her door."
Did you ever get, er, close to your fans? (Taken from Hot Stars, November)
Shane: "There was defenetly a lot of girls for the guys, but I was happy with Gillian."
After Brian-gate do your partners trust you when you are away on tour? (Taken from Hot Stars, November)
Shane: "Well I don't think Gillian would have married me if she didn't trust me. If you are going to get into this, your lady has to be totally trusting. She has to understand you'll be away a lot, otherwise it'll never work. After 7 years, I really do hope she trusts me."
Do you think she'd ever let the milkman in to leave an extra delivery? (Taken from Hot Stars, November)
Shane: "Er, I don't think so. I doubt it."
When you get back from traveling all over the world, are you and Gillian like a pair or rabits? (Taken from Hot Stars, November)
Shane: "Obviously when you're home you want to hug and kiss or whatever. That's all you need to know. But of course I spend a lot of, er, personal time with Gillian."
November:
Shane: "I'd love two girls,two boys and lucky dip. But I wouldnt be complaining what sex they were-as long as they were all healthy."
And Gillian added: "We have no plans to start just yet because we are finding our feet but five kids just seems right-we want a big family."
"Im seeing people walking around with their little babies now and I must admit I do get all gushy about it."
"I know it wont be for a while but I cant wait until it's my turn."
Interview bit from a Swedish magazine called Veckans Vimmel (December)
What is the hardest thing about being as famous as you are?
Shane: For me, its being away from my wife. its really hard for me and I can get really down because of that, actually.
2003
Shane won't drink on his big day
Shane has vowed not to drink at his wedding, so he can perform on his big night Shane confirmed that he's marrying Gillian just after christmas at Ballintubber Abbey in Country Mayo, Ireland. But he shocked his bandmates by revealing that he won't touch a drop of the hard stuff. Shane said "I'm sure the rest of the lads will get drunk. But i'll be off the booze all day. At least i'll remember it."
Mark groomsman at Shane's wedding
Westlife's Shane Filan has asked Mark Feehily to be one of the groomsmen for his wedding.
Shane, who is getting married to childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh on Sunday December 28, asked Mark last week.
A source close to the band revealed: "Shane arrived up to Mark's door and asked him.
"Mark was totally surprised and shocked. He never expected to be asked. He is over the moon and can't wait for December."
Shane and Gillian are tying the knot in Ballintubber Abbey and the reception will be in Ashford Castle, Co Mayo.
December was the most suitable time for the couple to get married, as the band are busy promoting and touring throughout the year.
But it will be a day for Shane's fans too. The couple have turned down lucrative deals from Hello and OK magazines for exclusive pictures of their wedding day.
The source continued: "Shane and Gillian want to have total control over their own day and want their guests and the fans to enjoy it."
The band released their latest single Tonight last Friday. The band are currently promoting the new single and have appeared on the Late Late Show and Graham Norton.
"The band will be based in London for the foreseeable future."
The latest figures will be released this Friday and will reveal whether the song gives the band another number one hit.
Wedding bells
Westlife in Love: Shane wants to marry his Gillian
Wedding bells the second: The Fans of Westlife are used to a wedding of their darlings. In this year Shane wants to tie the knot with his Gillian.
Who did Shane have a crush on at school?
Nicky: I'd say it was Gillian. Didn't you have a crush on Gillian in year two or four? Shane loves high heels and short skirts so there could be a bloke walking by in high heels and a short skirt he'd look.
Shane: That's all true! I had a crush on Gillian when I was 12 and I went out with her for a couple of months but she gave me the boot!
About the song that means most to Shane
"I think the song that will mean most to me is IF I LET YOU GO because thats Gillians favourite song. Sometimes she'll be down at the mixing desk and I look down at her when I'm singing it. Every second of that song she's in my head and I know she's there to see me and no one else!"
Gillian about Shane
Gillian says: "Shane is my perfect man, I definitely want to spend the rest of my life with him, no doubt about it! Shane is really romantic, he always sends me little gifts, I am so lucky to have a man as romantic as him"
That lovin' Filan (December)
This time next week the Westlife Crew will once again be trying to hide frotm he world media at Shane Filans wedding to Georgous Gillian Walsh.
Learing from thie mistakes of Nicky Byrne's nuptials to Georgina Ahern in France earlier this year,the Mayo Marriage will be of course much more low key.
Ill be ringin my belle this Christmas
This is going to be the Christmas I'll remember for the rest of my life-for all the right reasons, It’s my last Christmas as a single guy and its also the Christmas I’ll be marrying my ideal girl, Gillian.
As you can imagine, I’m very, VERY excited, but strangely enough im not nervous. That might all change next Sunday however!To be honest,I’ve been so busy with Westlife I haven’t got time to worry about the big day.
The media keep asking me what I’m looking forward to most and I have to be honest by admitting That I’m dying to see Gillian’s dress. Husbands to be are not allowed to see the dress before hand and Gillian isn’t giving me any hints about it and so my curiosity is killing me!
One thing is for certain, no matter what it looks like I know she’s going to look absolutely amazing in it. She is the most beautiful girl in the world to me.
We've known each other since we were around 10 and she’s Kian’s cousin so it’s going to be a big family affair.
Our wedding is going to be a fairytale hopefully, that’s the way we've planned it. My eldest brother is going to be groomsman and Mark and Kian are going to be two groomsmen along with my two best friends Keith and Brian. There are five in the bridal party with Gillian’s sister Joanne being the maid of honour.
The reception is in Ashford Castle, which is an amazing place at Christmas time, hopefully the weather will be good too!
And don’t worry you will get to see pictures in all the papers the following day as myself and Gillian will come out and pose for the media after the ceremony.
I have to say this to all the fans, You have all been brilliant to help myself and Gillian along, Gillian has always enjoyed the support she has got from fans everywhere. Lots of fans knew about us before we went public and said nothing and it was never a problem. So thank you all, hope your year was as good for you as it was for me, and all the lads here in Westlife wish you all a happy Christmas.
How do you spend Christmas Eve? (Taken from "Okej" December)
Shane: "My Christmas will be extra special this year because Gillian and I are getting married on the 28th of December, so the whole Christmas holiday will be like a wedding holiday/celebration. And then we're going to Hawaii on our honeymoon."
2002
Sunday express interview
"Who was the first person you spoke to this morning?
My girlfriend Gillian who I've been going out with for about a year. I don't really like talking about her publicly as I don't think it's fair to drag her into the media spotlight.
On tour in Germany... (2002)
Around Bryan, the rest of the band appears similarly subdued. Today is not a good Westlife day. Kian Egan, as blonde as Debbie Harry circa 1981 and dressed in a frilly white shirt, has an upset stomach; Nicky Byrne is pink-eyed and complaining of lack of sleep; Mark Feehily is still struggling to overcome a chest infection, while Shane Filan just wants to spend time with his girlfriend.
Shane Gets Serious
There may not be a wedding yet for Shane Filen, the lead singer with Ireland's Westlife. But, he is getting ready to make some serious moves on his long term girlfriend Gillian Walsh. Speaking to ShowBizIreland.com recently at the Kerrygold Dublin show, Shane explained that marriage may still be a bit away for him but moving in together is just around the corner." Myself and Gillian have no plans to marry just yet. But, I have just built a new house for my parents and I guess one for the two of us will be next on my list. It may have to wait for a while as I've just spent loads of money a new car along with Nicky and Bryan from the band. We all got new Ferraris. They picked up theirs last month but I just picked up my new black Ferrari 575 Marenello." He went on, "Gillian and myself only flew in from Mexico, where we were on holiday for the past two weeks. We came back so I could watch my brother Liam. He is competing today in the jumps for the Horseshow. We have loads of horses down home in Sligo and my family are big into jumping so it had been a family tradition of ours for years to come to the horseshow."
German Interview - Valentines Special
Shane: "Her name is Gillian, and I think Mark fancies her more than I do, she's Kian's cousin and all I can say is that we're very happy at the moment and that's it really..."
Kian: "You better treat her right"
Shane: "Yeah, Kian Kian, told me if I treat her good, I can go on seeing her
Bryan: "He gave you a hard time"
Shane: "Yeah, he gave me a hard time, to make sure I looked after her, so I am looking after her"
Shane shows off his dream girl
Westlife hunk Shane Filan looked every bit the newly wed yesterday-even though he was only a guest at the family wedding. The Popstar pin-up looked ready to walk down the aisle as he played groomsman for his brother Liam who married long-time girlfriend Patricia Taheny at picturesque Ballintubber Abbey in County Mayo. As the bride and groom emerged from the church yesterday Shane only had eyes for one woman-his blonde girlfriend Gillian Walsh. Shane and his girlfriend looked very much in love as Shane caressed Gillian's hair as she fixed his best man's tie. Dressed in a black slip dress the Sligo student stood by her superstar boyfriend's side as autograph hunters grabbed an opportunity to meet their idol.
Shane had earlier arrived at the church in his new Ferrari with his childhood sweetheart. Liam, who is Shane's older brother, is hoping to go into business, with his brother in the horse show-jumping industry once he retires from Westlife.
Shane's lovelife
Little more than an hour earlier I had watched in astonishment as 12,000 girls screamed for Shane and the rest of Westlife. Almost any of them would have done anything to spend the night with one of their idols. But there is only one woman Shane is interested in. She is Gillian Walsh, the bright and gentle Irish girl he has tried to keep secret for more than a year. But as we sit chatting in his hotel room with Shane still buzzing with excitement from the Sheffield Arena gig, there are no secrets anymore. He wants to talk about how they first kissed, how he told her he loved her, and he hopes one day they will settle down and have children: "I knew I loved her more or less straight away" says Shane 22, shattering a million teenagers dreams. "She has such a great personality and is the most amazing person I have ever met" When I first met Shane, the youngest of 7 children, he had a boyish charm, and talked enthusiastically about everything. Three years on his passions are still singing and performing, but now there is Gillian too. All the attention from women could have turned him into a vain egomaniac, but his modesty shrugs off his appeal. Sitting curled up in an armchair, wearing jeans and an old t-shirt, he has filled out since our first meeting but he has an air of innocence that belies the experiences he has gained in Westlife. As we talk, Gillian, also 22 quietly sorts through a pile of clothes. She is happy to stay out of the limelight. But Shane says it was he, not she, who insisted on total secrecy for the first year, now he wants the world to know. He says: "I needed to have a more normal relationship. We kept it quiet for ages, and it was driving me mad cos we couldn’t even walk down the street holding hands." They still don’t like to pose for photographs together and Gillian in the final year of a business studies degree, keeps a discreet distance when he is working. Shane has known Gillian, a cousin of fellow band mate Kian Egan, since childhood. But it was only more recently that it became serious. He says: "I fancied her for an awful long time, but didn't tell her. I didn’t kiss her for ages because I didn’t want to come on too strong. The first time I kissed her was… oh, my God, it was amazing, we had just gone on our first proper date, to the cinema. It was just a quick kiss, but long enough for her to hopefully want some more - and she did. Things got better and better, and I started thinking 'she is the one'." "We had been together for about 4 months when I wanted to tell her I loved her. I didn’t know how to do it so I just said I had a secret." "I kept her guessing for a few weeks. She was dying to get it out of me. Then she said she had a secret too." One night I said "I'll tell you my secret if you tell me yours" We agreed and I told her "I love you". She told hers was that she loved me too. "It was one of the best moments ever, I'll never forget it" Will he marry her?
"I definitely hope so one day" he says. "I can't see myself ever being happy without her. I call her the perfect package. She is the girl of my dreams in every sense."
Shane’s world
By Nicola Tallant
From Ireland on Sunday July 28, 2002
Westlife star splashes out on huge Sligo lovenest to share with girlfriend.
From the air, it looks more like the crumbling ruins of an Anglo-Irish mansion than a state of the art pleasure dome in the making. But this is the €1.5m spread where Westlife heart- rob Shane Filan is to settle down with childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh.
The new manor is just a, few miles away from the family chip shop in Sligo town where Shane grew up with his four brothers and three sisters. But, when Shane and his girlfriend move in in the new year, they might as well be living on the other side of the world.
Complete with a private gym, snooker room, music room with grand piano and a fully equipped bar, Shane's new house will rival the homes of the rich and famous in Beverly Hills.
The two-storey mansion stands on its own site at Carraroe, Co. Sligo, just across the road from the stables where Filan’s collection of 20 showjumping horses are kept.
Friends say the 23-year-old star helped design the 'party' house himself after buying the site and a cottage across the road.
And he hopes girlfriend Gillian, who is fellow Westlife star Kian Egan's cousin, will share the estate with him once he returns to Sligo for good.
Shane will be greeted by an imposing spiral staircase in an enormous hallway when he enters his completed house.
On the ground floor, a games room with a fully-size snooker table and bar, a living room, family room and sitting room along with open-plan lounge areas will provide plenty of space for entertaining. A dining room, a bedroom and the music room complete the plans for the ground floor.
Four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with walk-in wardrobes and a huge en suite, sauna, a large gym and TV room will be upstairs.
The singer has gained a reputation as a big spender over the past few years and friends say he is planning to spare no cost on decorating the house he hopes to share with blonde Gillian, 21.
His sister now drives the 1994 three series BMW he bought as his first car when Westlife hit the big time; his father uses his €50,420 BMW 5 series to get around town and girlfriend Gillian was given a €56,800 BMW 330 injection coupé as a Valentine's Day present.
Shane himself drives a Ferrari Spider worth a massive €289,500, a BMW 330 sports convertible worth €64,820, a €92,770 BMW X5 jeep and a €50,000 Mitsubishi Pajero.
Horse-mad Shane hopes to become a full-time stud owner when his pop career comes to an end and harbours ambitions of making it big in the world of showjumping.
Although he has travelled the world, he admits he is a homebird at heart and loves spending time in his native Sligo. He recently told how he and Gillian, a business studies student, love nothing better than hanging out with their friends at home.
’We've been together around a year-and-a-half now, but I've known her since I was about 12 and we were in musicals together,' he said.
'She was actually one first girlfriends when we were teenagers, and dated for a few weeks. But she’s really great and I am crazy about her.
'I talk to her a couple of times a day, thank God for mobile phones. We haven't gone public with our relationship. We prefer to sit in a pub and having a laugh with our mates.'
Shane is currently spending a few weeks at home before he jets out to the US as Westlife continue their quest to crack the tough American market.
Gillian Filan??? (28th June)
Rumours are going out that Shane Filan and Gillian Walsh (Kian's cousin) will be getting married later on in October of this year secretly in a castle in Sligo. Since he kept secret about going out with her, will he keep this marriage a secret?
Morgan opening (October)
Inside Shane was surrounded by his family and girlfriend Gillian Walsh. Gillian a graduate from Sligo IT said: "I've just graduated from college and am taking time out to decide what I will do next." She, like her boyfriend Shane is a fan of Morgan clothes. "Sligo needed something like this and I will work in the shop whenever Mairead or any of the girls need some time off," she added. The couple posed for a photo together amidst the array of hype and excitement generated by the band's fans. They share a love of singing and dancing and Gillian remembers when the couple played opposite each other in the musical Grease. "Shane played Danny and I played Frenchie. I love dancing but I leave the singing to him," she said. After talking to his fans for over two hours in the shop, Shane took time out to be with his family before flying back to London the following Thursday morning with Gillian by his side.
Some questions
Have you ever stopped to help someone change a tyre or repair a car? Eve Turnbull
I can change a tyre, although Gillian can change a tyre better than me, believe it or not! I got a flat tyre a while ago, as it goes. I didn't know where the wheel was, and Gillian was like, 'Just lift that out.' She's very good when it comes to cars - she started driving a year ago and loves driving and knows everything about cars, whereas before she hadn't a clue what a BMW was, I like that about her.
What's at the top of your Christmas list? Helen Judd
Top has to be my mum and dad's present, or Gillian's present. I got Gillian a computer last year too, a big PC, and she loved that.
What ring tone do you have on your mobile phone? Abby Archer
I don't know - Gillian always seems to have my mobile lately. She's robbing it a lot, ha-ha! She's like, 'I wanna keep the phone.'
Shane plans to get married
Teenage girls across the country should reach for the hankies now - its my sad duty to inform you that Westlife's Shane Filan is the second member of Westlife planning to tie the knot. Lead singer Shane's requested time off from the band in October to wed Gillian Walsh, his girlfriend of two years. Gillian is a student who met Shane in his hometown of Sligo in the northwest of Ireland. She's shy, likes to keep a low profile and doesn't attend showbiz parties with him. The pair are just putting the finishing touvhes to the £1 million home they're building together in Sligo and Shane’s made no secret of the fact that he sees it as the house he wants to raise his family in. Singer Bryan McFadden was the first member of Westlife to tie the knot last year to atomic kitten singer Kerry Katona. The couple now have a baby daughter Molly. However, unlike Bryan, Shane doesn’t plan on flogging the story of his nuptials to a celebrity magazine. Shane’s also busily working on his debut album as a solo performer. The plan is to launch him by attaching his first single to a major film release in the same way as Ronan Keating. No wonder speculation is growing that Westlife will be calling it a day before too long.
Westlife's Shane to Marry Gillian...
Westlife's lead singer Shane Filan has announced he will marry girlfriend Gillian Walsh in an open ceremony and will not sell the rights to glossy mags like so many other celebs. Talking the News of the World Sligo girl Gillian insisted: "We want the wedding to be here in Sligo if we can get the right place. I would never sell my wedding pictures to a glossy magazine." The mature minded 23 year old went on, "After seeing how it's done - with the bride having to walk to the church with a big sheet over her head behind big screens - I know I don't want it. I wouldn't put my family and friends through it."
WEDDINGS IN THE AIR FOR WESTLIFE?
WESTLIFE stars NICKY BYRNE and SHANE FILAN were both spotted shopping for jewellery last week - increasing speculation that the pair are going to propose to their respective girlfriends.
Shane made his purchase from London's exclusive CARTIER store whilst Nicky lingered in front of posh jewellers TIFFANY + CO.
Nicky is currently stepping out with the Irish Prime Minister's daughter GEORGINA AHERN, and Shane has been dating band mate KIAN EGAN's cousin GILLIAN WALSH for nearly two years.
Shane "I wish me a helicopter!"
Westlife are a big family. That even goes for relationships. Coz the dream-woman of Shane Steven Filan (DOB 5th July 79 in Sligo) is called Gillian Walsh - and the 22-years old is Kian's cousin! But it definitely wasn't love at first sight. Shane: "We know each other, since I'm ten years old and were only very good friends at the beginning. But then we noticed that there's more then just friendship. Now we're an item and have a very happy, intensive relationship !" Wedding plans? Shane shakes his head. "That has time! Gillian and me are not even engaged! [It was obviously before he proposed *ggggg* - Maike] But later I of course wish to have a family with three up to five kids. After all I've got six older siblings!" Probably the horse freak (his parents own a horse breeding business) wants to wait with the proposal until another big dream is reality: "I wish me an own helicopter! I already take lessons since a while now!" But Shane doesn’t only associate happy feelings with the flying: "Some time ago we flew to Sweden. Shortly before I had to go to see the dentist - but unfortunately the wounds didn't heal that fast. During the flight I suddenly had such a big pressure on my jaw that I had tears in my eyes because it hurt so much!" But the 23-years old recovered soon - well, he had to! Only some days later he launched a new shop in Sligo: In the former restaurant of his parents he opened a store of the chain "Morgan", that Shane manages together with his sister Mairead. Shane: "That's only the beginning!"
Wedding bells?
Do we hear the chime of Wedding bells? Westlife's Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan were caught shopping for jewellery as they enjoyed a break in their hectic schedule.
Our photographer snapped the pals moments after Shane had made an expensive purchase from London's Posh Cartier store - a shop well known for it's glittering engagement rings!! As Shane and band mate Mark Feehily got in to a waiting car, Nicky grabbed the chance to take a lingering look in the windows of Tiffany & Co - another store full of sparkling rings! It seems a strong possibility the lads had their girlfriends in mind. Nicky first met Irish Prime Minister's daughter Georgina Ahern when he was 12 [!] and Shane has been dating Kian Egan's cousin, Gillian Walsh for nearly 2 years.
Don’t be surprised if you hear the lads have popped the question soon - and remember where you have seen the evidence!
2001
The lads love Molly
A few weeks ago Shane revealed his love for Kian's cousin Gillian Walsh, although they have been an item for nearly a year. Bryan reckons Shane will be the next Westlife member to become a dad. "I get broody." admits Shane, 22. "Bryan came in to my room with Molly. I was lying on my bed and I felt this thing on my chest and she had her hands in my mouth. She was so cute. I thought 'I want one of these - maybe four or five years down the line.' I would love to have a big family."
Shane's World Of Our Own thank you's
To Gillian, you are my best friend and I love you.
Shane about Gillian
"I'm a very happy guy. She's very shy and wanted to keep it a secret so she didn't get judged by people at her college. She's Kian's cousin and I've known her for 10 years. Am I in love? Definitely. If this is what love feels like, it's absolutely great. I'm away quite a lot so when we do catch up we're mad to see each other."
Shane has got a girl
As the lead singer of the group Shane has been under a huge security from the press and public. He was recently voted one of the sexiest men in showbiz, but he’s not looking for the perfect girlfriend – he's in a serious loving relationship with Sligo girl Gillian Walsh. The couple have been dating for 6 months. Shane added: "We're very happy together. I had to keep the whole thing quiet for a while because she was doing her exams and I didn’t want her to have any distractions. She's a very normal, loving girl and understands the music business and how much time I am going to be away."
Shane admits he has a girlfriend
Shane has a girlfriend. Shane said, "It is true, yes. I've had a girlfriend for nearly a year now, and I didn't really want to say anything about it before. She's from Sligo and the reason I haven't said anything is that I didn't want her to have any different kind of life. She wanted to be just Gillian from Sligo when she was at college - not Shane from Westlife's girlfriend. It's brilliant, and she's the best girl in the world. I've never met a girl like her - she's just amazing! She's everything you'd want in a girl - she's not like a model or anything, she's just gorgeous, she's just lovely and she's just a beautiful person and very special to me.
Pucker up!
Smiles were the order of the day when the band left the stage this time. "That was dead right!" beamed a jubilant Shane as he left TV centre with his brand-new girlfriend, Gillian, in tow. "Shame we can't stay, but we have to be up at 4.30am tomorrow for breakfast TV." However, there was time for just one more thing before the charmer departed: a huge peck under the mistletoe for the TOTP team!
Interview with Shane about his love for Gillian
Shane Filan from Westlife broke a million teenage hearts last year when he announced he was no longer single but in fact had been dating childhood friend Gillian Walsh for more than a year. So we caught up with Shane to see how things are.
So Shane how are things with Gillian?
Great. Just absolutely great. Things couldn't be better.
What made you go for Gillian?
She's everything I've ever wanted. She's beautiful, quirky and has an amazing personality. She's my dream girl and more. I think without Gillian I wouldn't be the Shane I am today because she helps me make sense of everything and puts it in to perspective.
What has the fans reaction been like?
Mostly positive. There have been a few incidents where Gillian has had abuse thrown at her but we just rise above that. Most of the fans have been fantastic and now instead of just me having teddies and gifts from fans, they bring something along for Gillian too. One fan bought her this lovely necklace. And another gave us both a picture that she had taken from meeting us before. It's that kind of reaction that makes not just myself but the other boys think that we have the most amazing fans in the world.
How do the other girls [Georgina & Kerry] get on with her?
All the girls get on like a house on fire, which I think is fantastic because there is nothing worse than having 3 girls thrown together and not getting on - it would cause stress on the band. But they are each other's support and are really just like sisters.
Do you and Gillian go out with Bryan and Kerry or Nicky and Georgina?
On occasions we do but we also love staying in together - just the two of us.
So what's you're idea of a romantic night?
Cooking a lovely meal for the two of us and then sitting down for a cuddle and watching a video. It may sound boring to you but we try to stay away from the limelight - we just want to be a normal couple. I know that is hard with me being in Westlife but that's why these type of nights in mean so much and make me fall in love with her all over again.
So it is definitely love?
Yes. I felt on cloud nine when I told her I loved her and she said it back. I will never forget that.
Weren't you scared incase she didn't say it back?
I was too worried about how to tell her 'I love you.' [Laughs] I haven't really thought about that.
Are you going to get married soon and have a baby like Bryan and Kerry?
I definitely want to marry her - there's no doubt about that. I can't ever see myself settling down with anyone else. But one step at a time. When Westlife doesn't demand so much of my time then I'll definitely think about it.
How would you describe Gillian in 3 words?
Beautiful, Beautiful and beautiful
When was the last time you were a rock for someone?
I’ve probably been there for Gillian if she’s been upset. I think I’m very good at talking to people.
Who's your rock?
My rocks are Gillian and my Dad. I’ll always call Gillian when I’m homesick.
What rocks your world?
Gillian rocks my world totally. She’s just fantastic, she’s exactly what I want in a girl. No matter if I’m down or happy she’s always there and always the same. She’s the perfect package for me.
Westlife chat (2001)
Shane, you look so much happier these days, wanna tell us about your girlfriend Gillian?!
Shane: (Smiles shyly) She understands me, she's a big part of my life now. She's an average girl who goes to college. I feel like I've a bit of a normal life now, do ya know what I mean? In the first couple of years with Westlife, when I see what Nicky and Georgina, and Bryan and Kerry have, I felt kinda left out. I wasn't sad but it was like, 'When am I going to find a girl I can fall in love and be happy with?'
Where did you find Gillian then?
Shane: I found her in Sligo! Back home! I've travelled the world but there's no place like home. She’s actually Kian's cousin.
Do Georgina and Gillian like Westlife's music? (About World Of Our Own album)
Shane: Gillian loves it too. She actually knows the words! She wasn't a fan of our music at first, for which I'm actually glad. I've known her for 10 years, she's been my best friend for the last four years. That's good because I've known her long enough to trust her. (Chuckles) The newspapers thought Gillian was dating Kian because she used to come to our concert, but then didn't know she's actually his cousin and we are dating! Haha!
World Of Our Own Album launch (31st October 2001)
13. One of press conference questions asked Shane if he had a girlfriend.
He smiled and said: 'Yes, her name is Gillian, I have a girlfriend. She's here today but I'm not pointing her out."
Date Unknown
Shane already loved Gillian 4 years!!!! (1999)
Smash Hits Magazine 1999
There's one person reading this who might know if Shane has a chance at the 'perfect scenario'. When I asked Shane to describe his dream girl, he tells me, "I like this one girl so I'll explain what she has." It turns out the girl is from Sligo and went out with Shane when he was 13. He wouldn't tell me her name, but he said he hoped to meet her up with her over Christmas and "have a nice talk." He also said he'd mention this article, so she could read about herself..."
SH: So?
Shane: She's cute, she's not a model, she's got a nice figure, blah, blah, blah.
SH: What's "blah, blah, blah"?
Shane: Very good body, you know what I mean? (Blushes and laughs) Whatever.
SH: Dark hair?
Shane: No, blonde. And she's very down to earth and when I got home she doesn't treat me like I'm in Westlife, she treats me like a normal guy.
SH: So like a female Hugh Grant from Notting Hill then?
Shane: (Laughing) Exactly.
Popworld chats to Shane
'Have you babysat for Molly yet?
'Not yet, but I’m sure myself and Gillian will offer. I think I’m good with babies, but Gillian will be better - she loves children.
OFF-limits
Three doors down, Shane and his girlfriend, Gillian, are about to crack open a bottle of champagne. Gillian (who is in the middle of a business-studies degree) has got used to seeing her boyfriend winking
at the adoring masses. "He knows how to play them." Shane was at college in Limerick studying accountancy before Westlife took off. "It was the only thing I was good at in school: I loved maths,
counting numbers." So now he can count his millions. He laughs uncomfortably. "Something like that." He wants to go solo one day, but he says he won't be the first to leave. "We agreed at the start: we'd give Westlife 100% until the day it ends." Does he have to believe in what he's singing? "If it's an up-tempo song, you just give the crowd what they want: energy. When it's a ballad, it can mean a lot more to you. Sometimes it makes girls cry. It's mad. It's touching somebody in some way. I'm not embarrassed by any of our songs."
We move on to a grungier basement. After our arrival it fills rather rapidly - no coincidence. The boys are flattered but tired of being on show. Shane and Gillian chat in one corner. Kian smooches with a girl in another.
At 3.40am, Shane and Gillian, Kian and Mark and Nicky and the minders arrive back at the hotel. They disappear in the lift towards their floor. It's nearly 4 am but a few fans are still lying in wait along
the corridors. In this game, persistence is everything.
Kian’s diary
I grew up very closely with two of my cousins Michael en Gillian Walsh. They lived just around the corner from me. I was very, very close to Gillian. We did everything together and we were both big into all the musicals. I had a great childhood. Gillian was into dancing and all the musicals and stage work and that's what we used to do. We would do a lot of variety shows together and we used to mess about in the local community halls teaching kids how to dance.
Interview with Shane
Do you get much hassle on the streets?
No, not at all. Especially in Sligo, people don't even bat an eyelid when you walk down the road. It's the same in Dublin really. People might recognise you allright but that's as far as it goes. There's no need for minders and full on entourages or things like that. If you draw attention to yourself, then obviously you're going to attract attention. Perhaps if I was somewhere like a big concert or something like that I might need someone to help out and just to keep moving me along, but that's all I'd ever do really. Sligo is a very grounding place for me, my three best friends are there and of course my girlfriend Gillian so we all hang out together. Sligo is a great place, I've had a great upbringing there and plan to live there rest of my life there and raise my children there too.
He loves her, he loves her not…
Every time we see the Westlife boys with a girl out heart sink... but just how loved up are they ?
Shane Filan and Gillian Walsh
You can tell that Shane and Gillian are a loving couple, because they’re sitting close together and holding hands. This shows that they get on well and feel comfortable showing affection in public. They’re actually paying more attention to the football than each other – which is a perfectly normal thing to do at a football match. But, if you look at their faces, their lips lack symmetry, which means they’re not very happy, today at least.
We say: Damn! Gillian and Shane might not be snogging at the footie, but it seems their relationship’s rock solid. Jealous us? Never!
So tell us about Gillian your girlfriend!
We've been together around a year now, but I've known her since I was about 12 and we were in musicals together growing up. She was actually one of my first girlfriends when we were teenagers and dated for a few weeks. But she's really great, I'm crazy about her. She's in college at home in Sligo studying business management, and we talk a couple of times a day; thank God for mobile phones! It's going to be hard when we start the world tour next March, but Gillian is going to fly out and join us when she can. We haven't gone public with our relationship, going to parties and pr events, to be honest it's not our thing. We prefer to sit in a pub in Sligo and have a laugh with our mates.
Kian is very close to Gillian
Growing up in Sligo Kian was really close to his cousins, in particular Gillian who lived just around the corner. With Gillian, Kian started getting into variety shows and musicals. "We used to mess around in these community halls teaching kids how to dance," Kian remembers.
Love is in the air!
Love was in the air on St Valentine’s Day for SHANE WESTLIFE and girlfriend Gillian. As the ‘Life were performing on stage, Gillian was jetting in from Dublin so she could spend the evening being wined and dined at Shane’s swish London hotel!
Review – As the lead singer of the group Shane has always been under a huge security from the press and public. He was recently voted one of the sexiest men in showbiz, but although he kept telling that, he was not looking for the perfect girlfriend – he’s in a serious loving relationship with Sligo girl GILLIAN WALSH, the cousin of fellow-member KIAN EGAN ! The couple have been dating in secret for about 1 year. But now, as this secret is discovered he’s just relived to have the love affair out in the open, and can’t stop talking about her. Shane: "I'm a very happy guy. I had to keep the whole thing quiet for a while because she was doing her exams and I didn’t want her to have any distractions. She didn't want to get judged by people at her college, as the “girl that’s going out with Shane Westlife”. She's Kian's cousin by the way and I've known her for 10 years. Am I in love? Definitely. If this is what love feels like, it's absolutely great. I'm away quite a lot so when we do catch up we're mad to see each other. She's a very normal, shy and loving girl, she understands the music business and how much time I am going to be away. We’re very happy together." So Shane’s being a shady one, with a secret love hidden away for at least one year and no one knew. “I’ve actually had her in my pocket, didn’t you see that?” He jokes.
And what does Kian say about this relationship? “I think Shane's really pleased that his relationship with Gillian is out in the open. He's had a good reaction from the fans which is the best thing. I totally trust him with my cousin - he wouldn't be with her if I didn't! Now me and Mark get all the attention cos we are the only single ones left!” So you see: This couple in is meant for each without a shadow of a doubt. When you ask Shane how Gillian is, he answers with a big smile on his face: "She's a great girl and she understands me & she's like my best friend. She's the perfect girl for me. After a year we‘re still a very happy couple! There are a couple of stupid rumours concerning our relationship though. people think it's scary that I’m together with a member of my bandmates family. To be honest, I think it's more than normal. Gillian is one of few girls who can walk in and out of our dressing room for years now.
Shane about Gillian
I've been seeing a girl for nearly well about ten months. Her name is Gillian and I’ve known her all my life but she is a very close friend of mine and kinda one day I seemed to start liking her, but I didn't really say much about it in the last six months cos I didn't want to get hassled and stuff like that but I hope you understand that! But for her it was more... it was more for her than for me to be honest but now it's kind of a lot better now, so yeah she's a great girl, Gillian. I think she knows me very well so that's what I think I love about her, but there's no plans to get married or anything like that but just we're having a good time now!
Shane discusses Gillian further
While on the topic of Gillian, Shane said the following: "I'm in love with her, without a shadow of a doubt!," he grins. "I got to know her through musicals and plays we were in at school, then we met up again a year ago in a night-club in Sligo and started going out! I send her flowers a lot, saying really silly things like "Happy Tuesday" or "Happy Friday". She's in college doing her final year in business management, but I haven't gone publicly with her yet because she doesn’t want to be known as 'the girl going out with Shane from Westlife'. But we’re very happy!"
Shane’s my Westman
Westlife hunk Shane Filan told his new sister in law :"Your the queen of our hearts". Even the millionaire pop star couldn't steal the spot-light from older brother Liam's beautiful bride Patricia Taheny. The ceremony at Ballintubber abbey in county Mayo, on Saturday must have put best man Shane and girlfriend Gillian in the mood for love as they stole a lingering kiss outside. The wedding was a family affair but the other Westlife lads were among the 200 guests who attended the reception at Westport Woods Hotel. The new Mrs Filan looked gorgeous in the cream strapless fitted wedding gown with delicate embroidery and tiny pearls. The happy couple posed for photo's outside the abbey where Pierce Brosnen married Kelly Shay smith in august last year.
POPWORLD talks to Shane
How are things going with your girlfriend Gillian?
‘Everything is going excellently with Gillian. We just came back from a holiday in the Maldives and it was really nice. We were over there for two weeks. We got a good colour and we came back nice and refreshed, and it was gorgeous out there - really hot. Gillian has gone back to college now to finish off her final year and I'm back at work, too.'
M! interview
Gillian? How is she?
"She's a great girl and she understands me & she's like my best friend. She's the perfect girl for me.”
Westlife's tough life: "Our girlfriends get harassed!"
You've got a girlfriend now, I've heard.
Yeah! We've been together for about a year and a half, but I've known her since I was 10. Her name is Gillian, and she's Kian's cousin. We were together for a month when I was 12.
Old love never gets rusty, in other words… She's always been a great girl and I've always admired her. These last years, our relation towards each other got a bit friendlier…
Friendlier?
Ehm…yes, very friendly, hehe. And now she's my girlfriend. We were keeping it a secret for almost a year but I couldn't do that anymore, so now it's much better, when I can show to everyone that I love her.
Why were you keeping it a secret?
The main reason was because Gillian is studying at college. I wanted her to be treated like normal and not having to put up with a lot of crap. Lately our girlfriends have been stalked and harassed quite often, I didn't want her to be "The Westlife-guy's girlfriend". That was very important to her too, and it was her that didn't want to go public with our relationship really.
How's it going with the girls then?
Already at the beginning of our career, I said that it's hard to find a girl I can trust, so the fact that I've known Gillian all my life played a big part when we got together. But it was a bit weird at first when I realised that I actually was in love with her, but it's the best discovery I've made!
A match made in heaven
I went to see the football match the other week. It was me and Georgina, Shane and Gillian and Kian with his mate. I don’t know if the girls were that impressed, but it was grand to get to see a game – even it was a bit cold like!
By Nicky Byrne
HORSEPLAY
It's been really hectic this year and we couldn't wait to take a well-earned break. Shane's spending time at home with his lovely girlfriend Gillian and I've just been chilling out with my family but also catching up with the boys.
TOTP monthly KISSING COUSIN - by Kian
I think Shane's really pleased that his relationship with Gillian is out in the open. He's had a good reaction from the fans which is the best thing. I totally trust him with my cousin - he wouldn't be with her if I didn't! Now me and Mark get all the attention cos we are the only single ones left!
Shane about Gillian on www.westlife.com
I like a very sexy girl I have to admit. I like a girl with obviously a great personality… has to have: A very funny girl, a girl who can kinda keep me laughing all the time; A girl that is kinda cute, that I can chill out as well and watch videos at nighttime and stuff like that. I think a girl, if they want to wear make-up that's fine but not too much of it; I don't… too much make-up… if a girl spends kinda like three hours at the mirror doesn't really have… a girl who can wear less make up and looks still looks beautiful is a great talent to have.
I've been seeing a girl for nearly well about ten months. Her name is Gillian and I’ve known her all my life but she is a very close friend of mine and kinda one day I seemed to start liking her, but I didn't really say much about it in the last six months cos I didn't want to get hassled and stuff like that but I hope you understand that! But for her it was more... it was more for her than for me to be honest but now it's kind of a lot better now, so yeah she's a great girl, Gillian. I think she knows me very well so that's what I think I love about her, but there's no plans to get married or anything like that but just we're having a good time now!
A medicine called Gillian
WESTLIFE's SHANE FILAN soon found a way to recover from his recent tour-stopping flu - a stunning secret girlfriend called GILLIAN. While his four band mates slogged away on the Scandinavian leg of their world tour, Shane returned ill to Dublin, and took the opportunity to wine and dine his new lover. A band insider says, "Shane told the lads he had flu and hay fever and that he would join up with them later. But Shane spent hours with the girl and there seemed to be a real spark between them." But thanks to a woman-ban by manager LOUIS WALSH Shane has been forced to keep the affair secret. The source adds, "Shane spends most of his time around the world on tour while Gillian waits at home. The only other band member to have a girlfriend is NICKY who's dating GEORGINA AHERN, BERTIE AHERN's (Irish Premier) daughter."
About having girlfriends in ShowBiz
“Yes, I've got a girlfriend.” Shane lights up when the inevitable question comes. “Her name is Gillian and she's Kian's cousin”, he says with a big smile and adds that love has changed him. ”I used to be suspicious towards girls before, thought they only liked me because I sang in Westlife. With Gillian it was different, we've known each other for a long time and I've become very secure with her.”
Another reiteration of the Shane and Gillian story
Heart-throb Shane has dated Gillian Walsh for more than a year, and taken great care to keep the romance under wraps. The pair always arrived and left separately at Showbiz bashes, meeting up again later at hotel rooms around the world and she has never been photographed in connection with Shane… until now. My eagle-eyed snapper caught her leaving a hotel in Dublin this week. A source close to the couple told me: "It was bound to come out sooner or later. "They've managed to keep their relationship a secret for ages but they weren't happy about it. "Things had to be planned all the time. They couldn't just nip down the pub for a few drinks in case they were photographed together."
It means the only single members of the band now are Mark and Kian. Nicky has been dating Georgina Ahern — the daughter of Irish Prime Minister Bertie—for five years. Bryan recently became a father with former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona. They are set to marry next January. The source added: "Shane and Gillian have met each other's parents and things are very serious between them. They knew each other before they got together. They're both from Sligo and always bumped into one another. "When her cousin Kian and Shane got together in Westlife, they became close friends. One thing led to another and before you knew it, they were an item. "The couple are in constant touch with each other wherever Shane is in the world. His phone bill is massive but he doesn't care—he really loves Gillian."
Celebs and their secret loves
Was Westlife's Shane right to hide Gillian from his fans for so long?
SHOCKING
But should pop stars keep their fans in the dark to protect their love lives? When Westlife's Shane Filan admitted last year he was dating bandmate Kian Egan's cousin, Gillian Walsh, fans were shocked. Not just because Shane became 'unavailable', but also because their idol had covered up the fact he was in a serious relationship. Shane, from Sligo, admits he's known Gillian, a business studies student, for over ten years. He also suggests they've been dating since early 2001, but some fans say it's longer than that, claiming he could have even been seeing her since 1999! So why, when Westlife's Nicky Byrne has always been open about his fiancee, Georgina Aherne, has Shane been so secretive? And was that decision a betrayal of his fans?
UNDER WRAPS
Shane says Gillian insisted on keeping their relationship under wraps for so long. He claims: "The reason I didn't say anything is that I didn't want her to have a different kind of life. She just wanted to be Gillian from Sligo when she was at college – not Shane from Westlife's girlfriend." He insists Gillian's "very shy" and adds: "She didn't want to be judged by other students."
CAMERA SHY
When the press and TV cameras are out Gillian and Shane are careful not to be seen together. Their reclusive lifestyle has certainly helped: "Going to parties and PR events is not our thing. We prefer to sit in a pub in Sligo and have a laugh with our mates, says Shane. And on the rare occasions they have attended showbiz bashes, such as the World Of Our Own album launch party, the pair have been careful to arrive and leave separately. Cunning!
MIXED UP
The Irish tabloids had been trying to uncover the truth about Shane's love life for months. And they've often reached the wrong conclusions - once publishing a photo of Shane and his sister, saying she was in fact Gillian! Shane relished the fact that they've kept one step ahead of the press. "The papers thought Gillian was dating Kian because she used to come to our concerts," he says. "But they didn't know she's his cousin and we're the ones who've been dating. Ha ha!" Last October when Shane confessed he'd been seeing Gillian, he said they'd been dating for "a year" and admitted that he had known her since he was 12.
FURIOUS FANS
"I've been out with a couple of girls for a month or six weeks – never anything too serious," he said. It's possible Gillian was one of these girls because some reports suggest the pair dated for a couple of weeks when they were in their teens. However, according to several Westlife fans, Gillian and Shane have been loved-up for a long time. "I've heard that Shane has been going out with her on and off since he was about 17, and also that he was going out with her well before Westlife got really successful," says one fan. "I don't believe this ‘I've been with her for just over a year' thing. I've been following Westlife since the beginning of '99 and I'm sure he was going out with her then." Could this be true or simply a reaction from an angry fan?Pick up any recent magazine and you may find a quote from Shane suggesting he's still single. But he's always avoided outright deception. A year ago, referring to the possibility of settling down with a girl, he said: "If I meet a girl, 75% of the time she's only interested because of the band." It's not a lie, but it's hardly the real story, either. And if the truth was bound to come out, would Shane have been better off coming clean in the first place? Or should his loyalty be to his girlfriend?
SNEAK SAYS
OK, so Shane told a few porkie pies to cover up his romance with Gillian, and Lee and Liz attempted to keep their love hush-hush at the start. But – although it's unfair to deceive fans – both couples felt the need for privacy in the early days to give their relationships a real chance. "If they're true fans they'll be happy for us,” says Lee. "And we're not going to start shoving our lives down people’s throats like Posh and Becks." Let's hope their hectic schedules don't ruin their romance. As for Shane's girl, well, she gets a big thumbs-up from Sneak – and he gets the go-ahead from Kian, who jokes: "I totally trust him with my cousin – he wouldn't be with her if I didn't!" And do we hear wedding bells? Shane says: "I can't see myself ever being happy without her. I call her the perfect package."
FORBIDDEN LOVE
When Shane finally confessed his love to business student Gillian Walsh, his fans were shocked. Not so much because of the fact that Shane was in a serious relationship. But they were disappointed that Shane had betrayed them for months. When Shane then got caught up in a web of contradictions when making his confession that really was the limit. Why for example does he say that he's dating Gillian since August 2001 ? Insider were and are sure that they were already very, very close in 1999. Shane tries to put the blame on his better half :"She had her own, very normal life. I was, as a singer, always in the limelight. She wanted to be just Gill the student, not Gill, the friend of the celeb Shane", Shane say today. Is that the whole truth?
TOTP SAYS: Shane deserves mitigating circumstances, because Gillian is related to Show-Biz in no way. Anyway, he should've known that this play wouldn't go anywhere!
Horoscope
Cancer 5.7. They can chill the champagne: SHANE WESTLIFE (DOB 5. July 1979) and all cancers, who are born on 5th July. They’ll have a great time and will found support everywhere. The things they do will work great. The proof: Shane is still very happy with his girlfriend Gillian, and the recent Westlife-Tour is a big success.
Shane wants to move in
According to rumours Shane wants to move in with his girlfriend Gillian! The Westlife-singer has been spotted looking at some houses in his hometown Sligo.
Letters to Top of the Pops
lso I want to know if it’s true that Shane’s got a girlfriend.
Your Monique
It’s true that Shane’s got a girlfriend. Gillian is the cousin of Kian, and the two know each other since their childhood in Sligo. Kian told us, that he gave the relationship his blessing!
Holidays
Shane isn’t sure yet. “I don’t know yet how I’ll spend the four weeks, but definitely with my family and my girlfriend Gillian!”
QUEEN OF MY HEART – Shane’s Love secret revealed!
Secret revealed: Shane’s girlfriend Gillian. Shane sings abut the One –privately he has already found her.
Some days after the filming of the video for “Queen of my heart” the bomb exploded in England – Shane has already found his “Queen”, but kept the romance under wraps until now! Now it came out that he’s in a relationship with Gillian Walsh, the cousin of Kian, for one year already! The two lovebirds know each other since their childhood in the north-irish town Sligo. The relationship was revealed when a photograph of the “Sunday Mirror” last week caught Gillian leaving Westlife’s hotel in Dublin. Unlike Nicky and Bryan he wanted to keep his relationship under wraps. Now Shane admits it officially: “Gillian is the ‘Queen of my heart’!”
Quote from Shane
How does it feel to be in love?!
“It’s great! Gillian and me have a very, very happy relationship!”
Shane & Gillian
Shane has already found his Queen of his heart: Her name is Gillian Walsh and is from the Irish town Sligo.
Gillian Walsh is a very normal student – or better: was it until now. Since the beginning of November we know that she’s the secret girlfriend of Westlife-singer Shane Filan (22). Over one year Shane hid his love for the cousin of fellow-band member Kian “I wanted her to have a normal life”, says Shane.
Westlife ABC
S: Shane Filan (DOB 5th July 1979 in Sligo) has already found the One: Since a year he’s with Kian’s cousin Gillian Walsh, who he also want to marry.
Westlife Interview #1
Three of you are in a serious relationship: Bryan is married to Kerry, Nicky and Georgina live together and Shane has a secret, but long-term girlfriend. What’s with you, Mark and Kian?
Shane (protesting): Why do you say ‘secret girlfriend’? My girlfriend just wants to stay out of the limelight. I respect that, and many of the fans do that too!
Shane, you've got a girlfriend now.... tell us about her please.
Well, yes I have a girlfriend, we've been together around a year now, but it feels like we've been together forever. She’s Kian’s cousin, and I've known her since I was about 12, we were in musicals together growing up. She was actually one of my first girlfriends when we were teenagers and dated for a few weeks. She's a great girl and she understands me - she's like my best friend. It makes it easier because I know she's with me for the right reasons. She's the perfect girl for me and I'm crazy about her. She's in college at home in Sligo studying business management and we talk a couple of time a day; thank god for mobile phones! It's going to be hard when we start the world tour next March but Gillian is going to fly out and join us when she can. We haven't gone public with out relationship going to parties and pr events to be honest it's not our thing. We prefer to sit in a pub in Sligo and have a laugh with our mates.
Westlife Interview #2
BRAVO: To which person did you say “I love you” for the very first time?
Shane: Gillian!
BRAVO: Shane, is it true that apart from your many female fans you also have many male admirers?
Shane (laughs): I don’t know how that comes, but yes, it’s true. Since the band exists boys like me. But boys, I have to take you down: I only like girls. And since over a year only my girlfriend Gillian!
Westlife Interview #3
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Shane: Pretty the same with me and Gillian. When I saw her for the first time it was like a bolt from the blue.
Interview #4
Which things make you go weak in the knees?
When I go out with my girlfriend I usually pick her up at her house. I wait downstairs till she is ready. When she comes down the stairs and looks really good I could melt!
Westlife Interview #5
What do you find sexiest about your girlfriend Gillian (who’s Kian’s Cousin)?
Everything, she's the perfect package. She's not a glamorous model, she's just unbelievably funny and cute, exactly what I want in a girl.
What's the most romantic gesture you've ever made?
Gillian has been studying for her final exams recently and one night she was feeling down and missing me very much. I'd been away for two weeks already and on my night off I flew to Dublin, borrowed a car and drove three hours to see her. She couldn't believe it when I stood in front of her house with a bunch of flowers!
A friend of the couple, about Shane's love for Gillian (date unknown)
"Shane thrilled Gillian when he bid 30,000 euro on an exotic holiday to South Africa.. The auctioneer put the spotlight on him, But Shane generously paid out" says a source.
Shane about his 2 (!) new houses!!!
Here are the plans for Shane Filan's new family home. He is building two whopping great mansions - one for himself and one for his family. At the moment he is finalising plans for his house, which he'll share with Gillian Walsh. The home for his parents has been under construction for some time now. "I'm getting the family house built first and I'll live there with them for a year," said Shane. "Then Gillian and I will move into our dream home."
Westlife's European tour has meant Shane can't oversee the work as much as he'd like to. "Being away is frustrating," he said. "But every time I'm here, I head out to the site to make sure work is going as planned. It's costing a lot of money but it's something you have to do!"
The houses are in Sligo where Shane grew up. "It's the perfect location for me as I can go out horse riding and get away from it all," he said. A source close to the Filan family said, "Shane can't wait to move in. It really is going to be palatial! It's nowhere near finished though - the builders haven't even put the roof on yet!" Huge gates and security cameras will keep intruders out - but Shane doesn't seem worried about fans visiting him.
"The house is 200 metres off the Dublin main road, but I don't think Shane will be bothered by fans," said the spokesperson. "People here leave the band alone." Band mates Kian Egan and Mark Feehily also live in Sligo, Nicky Byrne has a seven-bedroomed house near Dublin and Bryan Mcfadden has a penthouse flat in Dublin. And how is Shane able to afford to build two houses we hear you ask - Well, he's said to be getting approximately £40,000 a gig on the current tour - that's how!
The Westlifer's house will include: A posh snooker room, a dining room that seats 18 people, a music room with a grand piano, a family room, sitting room and TV lounge, a gym with a sauna, a sweeping spiral staircase, seven bedrooms including a luxury master bedroom, nine bathrooms and luxury stables for Shane's beloved horses. Phew!
A holiday for Gillian
Westlife’s Shane Filan thrilled his girlfriend Gillian Walsh when he bid 30,000 euro on an exotic holiday to South Africa. The auctioneer put the spotlight on him, But Shane generously paid out" says a source.
Sex in the air?!
SHANE FILAN The Westlife-singer might be a star, but he still has ambitions: He wants to join the „Mile High club“, together with girlfriend Gillian Walsh: „Just on board of a jet we had no sex yet. I want to change this as fast as possible"
Kian didn't want Shane and Gillian to be together
SINGER Shane Filan has revealed bandmate Kian "hit the roof" when Shane started dating his pal's cousin.
He plans to marry gorgeous Gillian Walsh after two years together.
But it hasn't always been plain sailing.
Shane, 23, says: "Kian gave me a lot of grief. He warned me off because he didn't want me to break her heart.
"He was convinced I would cheat on her. He told her I was no good for her but thankfully she didn't listen.
"I am madly in love with Gillian and he can see that now."
He first dated the 22-year-old when they were 12 in their home town of Sligo, western Ireland, before dating her again years later.
Shane how did you cope with all the angry fans who were mad because of your 'secret'
Shane: 'I think a lot of fans got along very well and they gave us a great reaction but I just tried to protect Gillian because I knew that if we would go public she would get a lot of attention and I didn't wanted to feel her different just because she was with me. So I hope the fans will understand why I did it.
What's the most gorgeous thing about a girl?
Shane: Her eyes and legs. Oh yeah and of course her ass.
Shane: 'for me it is Ki. And I think every guy would agree. I wouldn't be with a girl if she was ugly."
What do you find sexiest about your girlfriend Gillian?
"Everything! She's the perfect package. She's not like a glamorous, glitzy model, she's just unbelievably funny and cute- exactly what I want in a girl."
What's the most romantic gesture you've made?
"Gillian has been studying for her final year exams recently and one night she was feeling down and missing me. I'd been away for two weeks and on my night off I flew back to Dublin, borrowed a car and drove three hours to see her. She couldn't believe it when I turned up with a bunch of flowers!"
Describe your perfect romantic evening...
"We'd stay in and I'd cook Gillian Spaghetti Bolognese. She'd be in silky pyjama bottoms and a tracksuit top and we'd just hang out and watch a video. I don't like going out for dinner because fans come up to me, so it's hard to have a romantic evening. I'd rather have the privacy and it just be the two of us."
What was the last text message you sent?
"I sent one yesterday to Gillian saying, 'I love you and miss you and I'll call you in a couple of hours'."