News archieve on Shane & Gillian (2005/2006)

News 2005/2006

The Love Album - Best Selling Album Of 2006 In Ireland! (1st January 2007)

Chart Track Commentary
Westlife take a sixth consecutive week at No1 on the Album Chart with ‘The Love Album’ and in the process they beat Snow Patrol’s ‘Eyes Open’ in the battle for the year’s best-selling album, overtaking them on the final stretch around lunchtime last Friday.
This is the first time Westlife have ever had the best-seller of the year: their previous highest ranking in the year-end listings was No3 which they achieved for three of their earlier albums: ‘Westlife’ (1999), ‘World Of Our Own’ (2001) and ‘Face To Face’ (2005).

Source: unknown

Another hit for Westlife star as property empire expands (22nd December)

THE property development company owned by Westlife star Shane Filan and his brother, Finbarr, is hoping to expand its portfolio with the proposed construction of 63 luxury apartments at the rear of Lisroyan House, Knappagh Road, Sligo.

Shafin Developments Ltd will lodge a planning application this week with Sligo Borough Council for the development, consisting of 4, 227 square metres gross floor area.

"It is close to the centre of town and the whole idea is that it would blend into the area," said Shane, who added that "everything would be within walking distance."

Although set within a prime city centre site, the development will also have the privacy and mature landscaping of a rural setting.

It will be located within the extended curtilage of Lysroyan House, the original orchard gardens that are located to the north of the building, off Knappagh Road. Lisroyan House, a protected structure, is not within the site and no works are proposed to it.

The proposed development, in two blocks, is arranged loosely in an L Shape, with an open landscaped area to the south.

Block A is mainly of two to three storeys with a small four-storey element. It will incorporate 42 apartments, including two 1-bedroom, 36 two-bedroom and four 3-bedroom apartments.

Block B is of three to four storeys, incorporating 21 two-bedroom apartments.

There is to be a new vehicular entrance off Orchard Road by way of a short existing cul de sac adjoining an existing apartment block, Thornhill House.

A basement level of car parking extends under parts of blocks A and B and under part of the proposed landscaped area. A total of 120 car parking spaces are to be provided, including five surface car parking spaces and 115 at basement level.

The architects have integrated the underground car parking into the contoured site, maximizing the area of green open space, according to project architect Declan McCabe, of architects Vincent Hannon & Associates, Abbey Street, Sligo.

The development will also include internal road network, landscaping, boundary treatment, foul and surface water sewerage and water supply services, bicycle parking, open space and all associated works and services.

This is Shafin Development’s third major project; last month it revealed plans for a €30m neighbourhood centre at Tonafortes, Carraroe. It also has a housing development, Stonebridge, in Dromahair.

"This rounds off an excellent year for us," said Shane, adding that they had lodged planning for the neighborhood centre in Carraroe, they had 40 new homeowners in Dromahair, and were currently looking at other exciting sites, having recently completed the purchase of another commercial site in Dromahair.

All in all, it seems Shane and Finbarr are on their way to creating their "World of Our Own", to take the title of just one of Westlife’s many hit songs.

Source: Unison.ie / Sligo Champion

SHANE'S 200MPH AIRPORT TERROR EXCLUSIVE (10th December)
Westlife star tells of fear for life after aircraft fails
By Paul Martin

WESTLIFE'S Shane Filan revealed last night that he felt lucky to be alive after a 320kmh plane nightmare.
The 27-year-old singer's flight from Sydney was abandoned seconds before take-off when the aircraft suffered a sudden mechanical failure. The Sligo star and other passengers had to spend the night at an airport hotel while the incident was investigated.

He told the Daily Mirror: "We were flying down the runway and then suddenly the plane was shaking like mad. "I gripped on to the seat and then there was a huge crunching and screeching noise. "The pilot slammed the breaks on so hard that it actually veered off the runway on to the grass. "I closed my eyes and waited for the worst to happen. I was thinking, 'Oh my God, I don't want to die like this'."

Shane, who with wife Gillian has a one-year-old daughter Nicole, was returning home from a two-week promotional stint in Australia where the band had played a string of sell-out shows. He added: "We have to fly all the time with Westlife but I'm dreading getting on a plane now. The experience really scared me and I had to take some sleeping tablets to get through the flight the next day." "I'm chilling out with my family for a few days now and hopefully I won't be too nervous next time I get on a plane."

Before this incident Shane was famed for his love of flying. A year ago he bought a private helicopter for his Sligo mansion. He has taken flying lessons and is on the verge of qualifying for a full licence. Ronan Keating once hired hypnotist Paul McKenna to get him over a fear of flying after an air scare while in Boyzone. He said: "I have tried everything from hypnosis to self-help books but I still dread getting into a plane."

Source: Daily Mirror

[I smell Louis bet he's involved, in other words: Louis' way to keep the lads in the news]

South Africa Shows Announced (3rd December)
Westlife have announced three concerts in South Africa next year – and tickets go on sale at midday on Wednesday 6th December.

Saturday 3rd March – Super Bowl, Sun City
Sunday 4th March – Helderfontein Estate, Johannesburg
Tuesday 6th March – EPRU Rugby Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Further details to follow.

Source: Westlife.com

Fourth Belfast Show Added (28th November)
Due to overwhelming demand, a fourth show at Belfast Odyssey Arena has been added to Westlife's 2007 tour. Tickets for Monday 16th April go on sale on Saturday 2nd December.

Source: westlife.com

Westlife Straight In At Number 1! (28th November)
The Love Album went straight in to the UK chart at number one this weekend, beating off stiff competition from the likes of U2, Oasis and The Beatles. Congratulations to the boys and a massive thank you to everyone who showed their support by buying the album.
Kian has sent the following message:

'Hi guys, we've just got back from Australia and we wanted to say a huge thank you to every single one of you for buying our new album. Your continued support means so much to us and we do really appreciate everything you guys do for us. We hope you like the album and we'll see you all soon! Lots of love, Kian x'

Source: westlife.com

The Beatles To Number One (28th November)
Oh dear...
By: Lowri Williams on 11/27/2006

Westlife’s The Love Album’ brushed aside Oasis and The Beatles to gain the number one slot in the charts this week.
Oasis took the consolation of second place, while The Fab Four charted at three. U2’s best of ‘U218 Singles’ came in at four while George Michael’s ‘Twenty Five’ slipped from the top spot to five.

Over in the singles chart Take That gained their first number one in decade with ‘Patience.’ They’re expected to gain another number one this week when their album ‘Beautiful World’ hits the shelves.

Razorlight stayed in the top ten with ‘America’ – incredibly on its ninth week of release, while Red Hot Chili Peppers entered at 16 with ‘Snow (Hey Oh).’

Source: Entertainmentwise.com

Westlife beat Beatles, Oasis in chart battle (28th November)
Monday, November 27 2006, 09:54 GMT By Dave West

Westlife have beaten the Beatles, Oasis and U2 in a battle to the top of the album chart.
The Irish boy band's The Love Album took the position in a week which also saw new releases from Oasis, the Beatles and U2.

Oasis, whose best-of Stop The Clocks had been expected by many to win, took second place while the Beatles' re-workings compilation Love was at three, and 18 Singles, from U2, was fourth.

Westlife's campaign received support earlier in the week from Sir Elton John, who told The Sun he was angry at Oasis. “I’m so glad Westlife are ahead of Oasis," he raged. "[Noel Gallagher's] an absolute tosser and he looks like Parker from Thunderbirds.
"They don’t deserve to be number one. It’s not a greatest hits album because they’ve left three of their biggest hits off it.”

Source: Digitalspy.co.uk

Gallagher shocked by Westlife beating (28th November)
Monday 27th November

Oasis singer, Noel Gallagher was stunned to be beaten by Irish pop stars Westlife to the number one spot in the UK album charts yesterday. Last month, Gallagher's brother and bandmate Liam voiced his confidence their greatest hits album Stop The Clocks would rule the charts.

However, the boy band's latest release The Love Album went straight in at number one, leaving Oasis at two.

During his performance last night at London's Union Chapel, angry Gallagher ranted, "Did someone say Westlife? That goes to prove there is no God." After realising he had voiced a blasphemic opinion in a Christian church, Gallagher added,
"You may strike me down if you wish, but it's true."

Source: ITV.com

Westlife star plans €30m. ‘landmark’ Carraroe scheme (9th November)
By Leo Gray

The property development company owned by Westlife star, Shane Filan and his brother, Finbarr, is behind an ambitious plan to build a €30m neighbourhood centre at Carraroe.

The project, which includes shops, apartments, a public house, restaurant, doctor’s surgery, dentist’s surgery, a physiotherapy clinic and a creche, is planned for a site at Tonnafortes, close to Carraroe National School, about two miles from Sligo city.

The plan has been described as ‘a showcase development for Sligo’ by the Westlife singer, who stressed that great care had been taken to design a scheme which would provide a landmark project on one of the main entrance routes to Sligo city and which would cater for the projected needs of the expanding Carraroe area.

Meetings
A number of pre-planning meetings have taken place with the planning authorities and the proposals conform with the planning guidelines for the area.
Mr. Filan, who lives in the locality, pointed out that Carraroe was zoned for extensive development over the next number of years and said they were anxious to provide a high quality project which would set the standard for future plans.

They had worked on the design of the development over the last two years and were satisfied that they had come up with a ‘showcase’ plan, worthy of a gateway site to Sligo city.

A planning application in respect of the project will be lodged by Shafin Development Ltd with Sligo County Council.

Supermarket
The new centre, which will comprise of two separate blocks, one of which will be six storeys high, will include a supermarket of 3,000 sq.ft., a pharmacy and two other shops.

A total of 76 apartments are proposed and the overall plan will also include a creche, restaurant, surgeries for a doctor and dentist, and a physiotherapy clinic.
Car parking facilities for 247 cars will be provided, 165 underground and 82 at surface level.

The development also includes a new vehicular entrance off Pearse Road, an internal road network and landscaping.
The Carraroe project is the first Sligo development by Shafin Ltd to go to the planning stage and another exciting scheme will be submitted to the planning authorities shortly.

Meanwhile, the company reports great success with its housing development, Stonebridge, in Dromahair, which is well ahead of its sales target.

Forty clients are expected to move into their new homes in the development before Christmas and ten further houses will be released to the market soon. It is hoped that construction work on the next phase of the development will get under way next year.

Source: Unison.ie / Sligo Champion

Westlife Byrne's wife is expecting (5th November)
The Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern's eldest daughter Georgina is expecting a baby with her husband, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne.

In a one-line statement, a spokesperson said the new arrival is due next summer. It will the first grandchild for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his separated wife, Miriam Kelly.

Their youngest daughter Cecelia is a best-selling author.

The statement said: "Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce that they are expecting their first child next summer."

The couple wed at Wicklow Registry Office, Co Wicklow in August 2003 and their union was blessed four days later at the Roman Catholic Church of St Pierre et St Paul in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, France.
The couple attended the annual conference of Mr Ahern's ruling Fianna Fail party in Dublin on Saturday night.

Georgina, 27 and Nicky, 28, appeared briefly on RTE television as they hugged Mr Ahern at the back of the Citywest Hotel hall before he made his televised address.

Source: Dotmusic.com

Georgina & Nicky to have first baby (5th November)
Georgina Byrne, a daughter of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has announced she is expecting her first child.

The baby is expected to be born next Summer.
The news came in a statement issued by Georgina and her husband Nicky of Westlife this morning.

Source: RTE.ie

Westlife set to bring a bit of Love to Belfast (27th October)
By Maureen Coleman
27 October 2006

Westlife will play two dates in Belfast next year as part of their Love tour, it was announced last night. The hugely popular Irish band, who were in the city last week to take part in the gala reopening night at the Grand Opera House, will be back at the Odyssey Arena on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14. Tickets to see them go on sale on Saturday, November 18 at 9am from the Odyssey Arena box office and usual Ticketmaster outlets.

The group have played a record number of shows at the Odyssey over the last few years and consider Belfast their second home, next to Dublin. Westlife release their Love album - a collection of favourite love songs - next month. The first single to be released from the new album is The Rose, which was recorded by Bette Midler in 1980.

Source: The Belfast Telegraph

Westlife set to star in Woolies’ Christmas campaign (27th Ocotber)

Friday October 27 2006 Irish pop act Westlife will star in the Woolworths Christmas advertising campaign. The boy band appear alongside Woolies' own stars, sheep and sheepdog Wooly and Worth, in the retailer's main Christmas ad and will release the song they sing in the ad, Westlife's version of White Christmas, as an exclusive download from The GBP25 million campaign is the retailer's biggest Christmas spend since it de-merged from Kingfisher in 2001 and includes a five-fold increase in online spend. The first ad airs on Wednesday 1st November in the Emmerdale break on ITV1. There are six TV executions, a main 'brand' 50-second ad, two 30-second 'offer' ads and three 20-second 'tactical deal' ads. The campaign also features an in-store POS suite, press ads, flyers and a Christmas micro-site. Westlife star in the main brand ad. The ad is a continuation of the 'More Great News' format and sees news anchorman Worth cross live to roving reporter Wooly who is taking a magical journey on an express train touring a Woolworths store. The ad ends on the Big Red Book which opens to reveal a huge Christmas tree with a giant bauble on top. The bauble falls, burying Worth in the snow. The two 30-second 'offer' ads push two of Woolworths' biggest offers this Christmas - 25% off big brand toys (featuring the giant present wrapping machine again, this time Wooly ends up in being wrapped as a present) and the 'biggest ever 3 for 2' offer. The 'tactical deal' ads break in early December. Stephen Robertson, Woolworths' marketing director, says: "This year, whether you're in-store, on Woolworths.co.uk, shopping the Big Red Book or seeing us on TV, it's all about the magic of Christmas. We've taken everything that is magical about Christmas, wrapped it up and gone to town with it on everything that is Woolies. It's a return to the Woolworths advertising of old, which customers fondly remember as capturing the excitement of Christmas, but we've brought it bang up to date and made it relevant to Woolworths today with messages like online shopping, in-store ordering and tactical deals. "Having Westlife star alongside Wooly and Worth is a coup for us. With 13 number one singles under their belt they are the one of the biggest bands ever and they connect well with our customers."

Source: The Retail Bulletin.com

Westlife mistaken for gang (27th October)
Members of Irish boy band WESTLIFE were mistaken for a gang of hoodlums by the terrified owner of a fish and chip restaurant in Birmingham, England recently. FLYING WITHOUT WINGS singers NICKY BYRNE and SHANE FILAN had walked into eatery George And Helen's with a bouncer - and because they wrapped scarves around their faces to avoid being recognised shop owner KOSTAS GEORGIOU thought the worst. He says, "They looked really intimidating and we were worried."

Source: Contactmusic.com

Westlife would love duet with Take That (27th October)
Irish pop group WESTLIFE are delighted by the return of British boy band TAKE THAT, and would love to record a duet with the RELIGHT MY FIRE stars.
The FLYING WITHOUT WINGS singers are glad that so many 1990s pop bands are reforming, and welcome the friendly competition from
other British groups including FIVE and ALL SAINTS Westlife's MARK FEEHILY says, "Take That were one of the bands that inspired
me to do this and All Saints were and extremely cool band too "I'm always up for a collaboration, maybe on a new uptempo kind of
song with Take That" In the past we've done duets with girls like DELTA GOODREM and DIANA ROSS, but it'd be a nice change."

Source: Contactmusic.com

More tour dates (27th October)
A new tour date for Glasgow has been added today, 8th April 2007.

12 March 2007 - Nottingham Arena, Nottingham
13 March 2007 - Sheffield Hallam Arena, Sheffield
14 March 2007 - Sheffield Hallam Arena, Sheffield
16 March 2007 - Manchester MEN Arena, Manchester
17 March 2007 - Manchester MEN Arena, Manchester
19 March 2007 - Cardiff CIA, Cardiff
20 March 2007 - Cardiff CIA, Cardiff
23 March 2007 - Birmingham NEC, Birmingham
24 March 2007 - Birmingham NEC, Birmingham
25 March 2007 - Bournemouth BIC, Bournemouth
28 March 2007 - Brighton Centre, Brighton
29 March 2007 - Brighton Centre, Brighton
31 March 2007 - Wembley Arena, London
1 April 2007 - Wembley Arena, London
3 April 2007 - Newcastle Metreo Arena, Newcastle
4 April 2007 - Newcastle Metreo Arena, Newcastle
6 April 2007 - Glasgow SECC, Glasgow
7 April 2007 - Glasgow SECC, Glasgow
* 8 April 2007 - Glasgow SECC, Glasgow
10 April 2007 - Aberdeen AECC, Aberdeen
11 April 2007 - Aberdeen AECC, Aberdeen
13 April 2007 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
14 April 2007 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
19 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin
20 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin (sold out)
21 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin (sold out)
23 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin
24 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin
25 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin
26 April 2007 - Point Theatre, Dublin

THAT'S NOT PAD SHANE (24th October)
WESTLIFE EXCLUSIVE WESTLIFE SINGER BUYS EUR3MILLION ENGLISH MANSION
BY PAUL MARTIN

WESTLIFE star Shane Filan has splashed out EUR3million on an English mansion.

The singer bought the seven-bedroom home last month and will begin moving in next week, though he will keep his Irish home. The impressive property, situated just outside South London, boasts a swimming pool, snooker room, private home cinema and a e50,000 security system.

But pals of the 27-year-old star say it was the huge gardens that really attracted Shane as they'd be perfect for his 16-month-old daughter Nicole. A pal revealed last night: "Shane and his wife Gillian are moving into the house next week. They are keeping their mansion in their home town of Sligo but this will be a base for them when they are in England working. Shane fell in love with the house as soon as he had a look round.

"There are also championship golf courses close by and he admits that was a big incentive too. "And it has huge grounds. He and Gillian can even take Nicole for a swim during the summer in the pool. They will spend around six to eight months of the year there."

The singer is estimated to have earned around EUR15million since hitting the big time with Westlife. But he is also a keen businessman, owning a share of a property development company with his brother Finbar.
He also has a major share in the Irish franchises of the Morgan clothes stores.

Shane's new pad boasts a security system with 20 close circuit cameras linked up to a security office. Each home in the private development is protected by 24-hour security guards and a sophisticated monitoring system. Entry can only be gained with a code. Shane sold his apartment in Chelsea earlier this year because it was not suitable for family life. And last night he confirmed the new purchase to the Irish Daily Mirror, saying: "Yes, it's true that I have bought a new house. "I wanted somewhere with nice big private grounds for Nicole to play in and we have found somewhere ideal. Sligo is still my real home though."

Source: Irish Mirror

Westlife name date for new album (14th October)
Friday, October 13 2006, 09:03 BST - by Dave West

Westlife have named the date for the release of their new studio record The Love Album as November 13.

The boy band's eighth long player is a collection of 11 covers of their favourite classic love songs. It was recorded over the summer, in breaks from their Face To Face 06 Tour, with producer Steve Mac.

The first track to be taken from the album will be 'The Rose' - a hit for Bette Midler in 1980 - which is due for release on November 6.

A spokesman for the band said: "Westlife perform this collection of epic love songs with heartfelt emotion and the album showcases more than ever the bands unique vocal prowess that has been key to their unrivalled continuing success.

"Packed with soaring choruses and epic string arrangements The Love Album has all the classic ingredients of the kind of quality pop album that Westlife have become synonymous with."

Track listing:
1. 'The Rose'
2. 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'
3. 'All Out Of Love'
4. 'Light Up My Life'
5. 'Easy'
6. 'You Are So Beautiful (To Me)'
7. 'Have You Ever Been In Love'
8. 'Love Can Build A Bridge'
9. 'The Dance'
10. 'All Or Nothing'
11. 'You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling'

Source: DigitalSpy.co.uk

Westlife's New Releases (8th October)
Westlife will be releasing a brand new single and album next month.

The Love Album, out on 13th November, is a collection of eleven of the most classic and memorable love songs of all time, chosen by the band themselves. Long-term collaborator Steve Mack produced the album, which was recorded in London, Dublin and Sweden during breaks on this year’s Face To Face tour and, amongst its many highlights, features a duet with Delta Goodrem on ‘All Out Of Love’.

The first single to be taken from The Love Album is ‘The Rose’, originally a huge hit for Bette Midler in 1980. It’s set for release on 6th November.

The tracklisting for The Love Album is as follows:

1. The Rose
2. Total Eclipse Of The Heart
3. All Out Of Love
4. Light Up My Life
5. Easy
6. You Are So Beautiful (To Me)
7. Have You Ever Been In Love
8. Love Can Build A Bridge
9. The Dance
10. All Or Nothing
11. You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling

Source: Westlife.com

Westlife's new album released in Holland (8th October)
Westlife's new album 'The Love album' is set for release n the 13th November over here in Holland.

Westlife
The Love Album
Release date: 13-11-2006
Price: 21,99 euros

Source: Musicstore.nl

The Rose - song lyrics (1st October)

Shane
Some say love it is a river
That drowns the tender reed.
Some say love it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.

Some say love it is a hunger
An endless, aching need.
I say love it is a flower,
And you, it’s only seed.

Mark (others backing vocals)
It’s the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It’s the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance

It’s the one who won’t be taken,
Who cannot seem to give

Shane
And the soul afraid of dying
That never learns to live.

Westlife (Shane on lead)
And the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long.
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong.

Mark
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snow

Shane
Lies the seed that with the sun’s love,
In the spring, becomes a rose.

Westlife - The Love Tour 2007 (27th September)
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to book the best seats in the house for one of pop’s most popular and successful groups.

Westlife have announced details for The Love Tour 2007. In March and April of next year Westlife will play 11 UK Arena shows. The band will be performing tracks from their forthcoming brand new studio album The Love Album, due for release this November, as well as all the hits and favourites from over the years.

The band has performed a staggering 384 shows together since 2001 and over the years have gained countless brilliant live reviews and a reputation as one of the best live vocal acts in music history. Their Face To Face 06 tour was their best to date and was fresher and more exciting than ever. It was a particularly memorable tour as it saw the band make history when they took to the stage for the 21st time at Wembley Arena and were duly presented with an award honouring them as the pop act who has performed there the most times in the history of the venue.

Westlife are a total cultural phenomenon. After 8 years they are still at the top of their game. Their most recent album, Face To Face was the biggest selling album in 2005 for record label SonyBMG, selling 1.1 million copies in just 3 months after its release in October.

Westlife are the biggest vocal band in the world right now and their successes to date are unrivalled. They are the only recording artists in the history of the awards to win the prestigious Record of the Year four times. They have performed to millions of fans on six sell-out arena tours to become the biggest selling arena tour act ever. They have sold over 35 million records globally; had seven multi-platinum albums in the UK alone; scored a record breaking 13 UK number ones; picked up two BRIT Awards and an MTV Europe.

Source: Livenation.com

Tourdates so far (27th September)
12 March 2007- Nottingham Arena, Nottingham
13 March 2007 - Sheffield Hallam Arena, Sheffield
16 March 2007 - Manchester MEN Arena, Manchester
19 March 2007 - Cardiff CIA, Cardiff
23 March 2007 - Birmingham NEC, Birmingham
[24 March 2007 - Birmingham NEC, Birmingham]
25 March 2007 - Bournemouth BIC, Bournemouth
28 March 2007- Brighton Centre, Brighton
31 March 2007 - Wembley Arena, London
3 April 2007 - Newcastle Metreo Arena, Newcastle
6 April 2007 - Glasgow SECC, Glasgow
[7 April 2007 - Glasgow SECC, Glasgow]
10 April 2007 - Aberdeen AECC, Aberdeen

* Dates between []s aren't for sale yet but have showed up on Ticketmaster.

Shane's summer profile (13th July)

My favourite holiday: It was probably my honeymoon actually, out in the Maldives in the middle of nowhere. It was just unbelievable; very relaxing, very hot. Paradise.
My favourite getaway: Probably just going home to be honest. I love spending time at home and just chilling out.
My favourite hotel: Four Seasons.
If I’ve got time off I… Play golf
My funniest holiday story: Mine’s probably the same as Nicky’s. He literally couldn’t look at me all day without breaking into fits of laughter. He had to leave the swimming pool at one point because he couldn’t stop laughing.
My suitcase essentials: Again, same as Nicky’s.
My favourite summer tunes: Mine was actually’ ‘Boom Boom Boom’ by the Outhere Brothers.
The place I’d most like to visit: Moscow. I’d absolutely love to go to Moscow.

Source: westlife.com

Westlife star backs battle against drugs (1st July)
Shane Filan of Westlife promotes the awareness campaign of the Northwest Regional Drugs Task Force.

Westlife star, Shane Filan, has backed a major new initiative to tackle the growth of drug abuse and underage drinking.

The strategic plan, which will be launched in Sligo today by the Northwest Regional Task Force, is the most concerted effort yet to counter the growing misuse of drugs and alcohol by young people in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.

Lending his support to the campaign, Westlife's Shane sent out a blunt message on drugs to the region's young people: "Stay away from them, they can ruin your life", he warned.

With drugs becoming widely available in every town and city in the country, the Westlife star urged parents to teach their children about the pitfalls of drug abuse. And he also warned of the dangers of underage drinking.

The regional task force revealed their new stategic plan in Donegal and Leitrim earlier this week and today it's the turn of Sligo with the launch of the campaign at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Ballincar.

The Chairperson of the Northwest Regional Drugs Task Force, Mr. Loman Conway, has called on community groups in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo to rally behind the new strategic plan.

"This plan is a call to action, through partnership and co-operation,

for every person in the northwest to work together to reduce the impact on individuals, families and the communities of drugs misuse and underage drinking," he said.

Source: Irish Independant

Westlife postpones June 3 concert (25th May)
Michelle Zhang
WESTLIFE postponed their Shanghai concert on June 3 because band member Nicky Byrne has acute enteritis.

A doctor recommended Byrne avoid long flights until June 9 as he recovers from an intestinal tract infection.

The make-up date for the concert has not been confirmed yet. But the organizer, CPPA Entertainment Ltd, said the concert will probably be held on June 25.

So far, more than 60 percent of tickets for the June 3 concert have been sold. The organizer said these tickets can be used at the make-up date. Those who want to return tickets can go to East Asia Ticket (Gate 6, Shanghai Stadium, 666 Tianyaoqiao Road) before June 3.

According to the former itinerary, the band was scheduled to arrive in Shanghai on Tuesday and was going to visit other parts of the country to record a documentary series before the concert. The organizer said the documentary will still be filmed, but at a later date.

Source: Shanghaidaily.com

Acute enteritis delays Westlife's concert
Michelle Zhang
WESTILFE is postponing their Shanghai concert on June 3 because one of the band members, Nicky Byrne, caught acute enteritis and his doctor suggested that he postpone the long haul flight until June 9.

The new concert date has not yet been confirmed. The local organizer, CPPA Entertainment Ltd, said the concert will most likely be held on June 25.

So far, more than 60 percent of the tickets for the June 3 concert have been sold. The organizer said these tickets can still be used for the postponed concert. However, ticket refunds are available at East Asia Ticket Gate 6, Shanghai Stadium, 666 Tianyaoqiao Road, before June 3.

Westlife was supposed to arrive in Shanghai on May 23. They planned to visit other parts of the country including Henan, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to record a documentary before the concert.

The organizer said the documentary recording schedule will also be postponed.

The Shanghai performance is the Irish boy band's only concert stop in China on their world tour this year. Westlife is one of the most popular foreign musical acts among Chinese audiences.

Source: Shanghaidaily.com

Cardiff concert review *spoiler* (15th May)
Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

Cardiff International Arena

WESTLIFE weren't able to raise the roof in Cardiff last night. They opened on a high at Cardiff International Arena, coming down from the roof singing Flying Without Wings.

But Westlife were never really able to quite lift themselves in a show which promised so much, starting with fireworks and terrific special effects, but failed to deliver.

They had minor problems with sound settings, lead singer Shane Filan forgot his words during a solo spot and the group simply lacked stage presence.

Backing tracks were used during songs they have recorded with Mariah Carey and Diana Ross and it didn't seem right. Perhaps they should have found a live singer to stand in for the two stars.

But when it came down to singing, the boys can still deliver. Their latest song, Amazing, went down well and they finished with You Raise Me Up.

Westlife went away from their own songs for a few minutes in mid-concert, signing Will Smith's Wild Wild West and Don't Cha by the Pussycat Dolls. That section plus their Michael Jackson dance routine just didn't seem to fit comfortably.

But the Westlife fans loved it and the boys are in Cardiff for another two dates - tonight and Wednesday before heading off to Wembley Arena.

Source: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk

Shane's tour interview (13th May)
So how’s the tour going so far?
So far, so good! In the week before it started we were getting a bit nervous because we were wondering whether we’d have it ready or not. It’s a much more energetic show this year. The routines are more difficult and a bit harder to learn. We’re really pushing ourselves and working a lot harder on the actual production of the show. The first night was probably the best first night we ever did. If there’s a bad rehearsal, it’s always a good show!

What happened in rehearsal?
Things were just going wrong, technical stuff, and we were missing the beat here and there. But you’ve just got to make sure you get it as best you can. But on the night it was great, the Belfast crowd were fantastic.

What’s been our favourite song to perform this year?
‘You Raise Me Up’, without a doubt. We recorded that song and always wondered what it would be like on tour, how the crowd would react and whether you could hear a pin drop or whether the crowd would sing along, but they’ve actually sung along louder than I’ve ever heard them before! They roar it out. It’s a great song to sing live.

How do you unwind after each show?
Well, there’s no ritual, but we just end up watching telly and usually it’s at least two o’clock before we get to sleep. You’re just so hyped up after the gig and you’ve just come off stage and already there’s people saying, ‘OK, here’s your car back to the hotel.’ So it’s a bit of a downer if you like. But I sleep in ‘til 11 or 12 every morning.

What do you do with the rest of your day?
I just spend time with Gillian and Nicole, because they’re on tour with me. It’s great though, because I wake up and they’re there looking at me, laughing at me still sleeping. Nicole doesn’t know any different, so she thinks it’s great fun seeing her dad sleep in.

What’s been the highlight over the past six months?
I think it was definitely ‘You Raise Me Up’. That week with ‘You Raise Me Up’ at number one and the album selling like a quarter of a million in the first week in the UK, that was just unbelievable. We’ve just got to find another great song for next year.

What have you got planned for when the tour finishes?
Most of June we’re going to spend at home with our families. Then July, we’ve got the outdoor shows, which are great. They’re much more family-orientated, a lot of families come for a day out. It’s always great to be on tour at that time. We’re hoping to record an album as well in July and August, so we’ll be very, very busy I think. We’ve got four or five great songs already. We’re really getting excited about it again, it seems like we’ve only just finished the last album.

Any message for your fans?
I want to say a big thank you for all your support over the last few months and coming along to the tour. It’s great, because we recognise faces who come every year. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Source: Westlife.com

Westlife: Tyson duet? (13th May)
Mike Tyson has appealed to Westlife to record a duet with him.

The former world heavyweight boxing champion is understood to have suggested the unlikely collaboration after admitting to a fellow fighter he "melts to some of their songs."

Tyson, who is reported to have been serenaded by Pete Doherty in a hotel bar in Manchester earlier this year, apparently told Irish boxer Joe Egan of his plan.

Egan, a close friend of Tyson's, explained: "He loves their music so much he wants to be part of it. Mike said he would be honoured to be part of a Westlife recording.

"Mike can hold a tune well and he just loves Westlife music. He melts to some of their songs."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Westlife has been moved to comment about the plan, suggesting: "This sounds really interesting - the band are all fans of Tyson's."

Source: Dotmusic.com

Westlife Shane, brother now property tycoons (10th May)

THEY don’t look remotely like each other. One is a household name, instantly recognisable as a Westlife star.

But Shane Filan’s older brother Finbarr will be famous in his own right after their burgeoning joint property venture takes off.

The enterprising brothers set up the company Shafin and developed a complex of 91 new homes in a historical village in Co Leitrim.

The Stonebridge estate of three and four bedroomed semi-d’s was built in Dromahair, once the seat of the O’Rourkes of Breifne, and is one of Ireland’s few planned villages, based on a village in Somerset in England.

A multi-millionaire after six years with Westlife, Shane teamed up with Finbarr to built Stonebridge, dividing it into three areas, Castle Field, Hill Crest and Meadow View.

Built beside the river Bonnet, the Filans involved local schoolchildren by running a naming competition and youngsters came up with names for the houses which start at €235,000 .

When RTE’s Showhouse programme presented by Neville Knot arrived in town, Shane had very definite views about what he liked, and didn’t like.

Interior designers Anne Tuohy from Donegal and Lee O’Neill from Shrule, Co Galway were given the task of doing up two of the houses which will be seen on the show tonight.

Shane favoured the blue bedroom and declared it his favourite room in the makeover.

He built a massive, granite front mansion in Sligo for his wife Gillian and they have been joined by their baby daughter Nicole who was born last July.

Shane recently suffered bad luck when his helicopter was detroyed in a fire.

The pop star had splashed out on the aircraft two years ago to cut his commute from Dublin by hours.

The helicopter was being stored in a hanger on the premises of Executive Helicopters in Oranmore.

Source: Unison.ie

Plenty of life still out West (1st May)
By Lyndsey Hunt, Apr 29, 2006

Westlife, the quiet superstars of the mainstream UK pop music scene, return to Birmingham this weekend as part of a nationwide tour to showcase their latest album.

Shane, Kian, Nicky and Mark have dominated the pop scene for seven years and new album Face To Face features all the hallmarks of that reign, a collection of classic songs and future standards.

It is Westlife's first collection of new songs since Turnaround topped the charts in 2003, and fans will find the Irish chart-toppers doing what they do best.
Shane, aged 26, said: "I think this album shows that Westlife are back in a big way. It's got the best material we've ever released."
Bandmate Nicky, 27, added: "At the time Turnaround seemed like one of our best albums - but this one feels even better."

The seventh album features a familiar blend of big ballads and mid-tempo tunes, balanced by the occasional up-tempo song.

Theirs is a straightforward formula that has been winning hearts and ears since the dawn of popular music, from the doo-wop days of The Platters, through the timeless harmonies of the Drifters and The Coasters, to the slick modern sounds of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, Take That and Boyzone.

Following a four-month holiday - the longest break of their career - the boys have returned to action sounding stronger than ever.

Nicky, who spent much of his summer getting in shape in the gym, said: "I think the break did us good.

"We still look at ourselves as the luckiest group in the world, but when you do something so long and so frequently, you're bound to need time to recharge your batteries."

The group has never sounded in better voice and rarely has there been a better choice of material on which to show it.

Shane, who recently became a father for the first time, said: "We know we have to raise the bar each time we make an album and be bigger and better."

Westlife have sold six multi-platinum albums in the UK alone and 34 million albums worldwide.

The boys have racked up a collection of Brit Awards, an MTV Award and achieved 12 UK Number 1's.
They recorded the new album in Ireland, Sweden and London last summer and will perform tracks from it at Birmingham NEC Arena tomorrow and Sunday.

Nicky said he and the boys were looking forward to being back in the recording studio and on the road.

"We had nearly four months off and it felt like three years.
"The break made us realise how much we wanted to start work again. At the end of it I couldn't wait to get back into the studio."

Source: Express and star

Westlife are record breakers at Nottingham Arena (27th April)
Not content with just making records – Westlife are now breaking them at Nottingham Arena.

Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark have appeared at our venue more times than any other artist.

The Irish lads have already taken to our stage eight times since February 2001 and their two dates here on April 24th and 25th take that number into double figures – reaching the number ten milestone.

Westlife will be wowing audiences again with their passionate vocals and memorable lyrics next month. They’ll be performing songs from their latest number one album ‘Face to Face’ and of course their greatest hits.

They really are one of the most successful boy bands around. They’ve notched up 14 number ones and performed to over four million fans making them the biggest selling arena tour act ever.

Source: Unknown

Westlife set Arena high (27th April)
Adam Moss

WESTLIFE have racked up another amazing career record - as the most popular act in the glittering history of the M.E.N. Arena.
The group's two sell-out performances over the weekend took sales for their shows at the Manchester venue past the 250,000 mark - the first act to do so since the Arena opened in 1996.

Before going on stage on Saturday night, Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian were presented with specially commissioned `Platinum Tickets' to mark the achievement.

Arena general manager John Knight said: "It is remarkable to think that approximately one in every 20 tickets sold at the arena over the past five years has been for Westlife. "The boys seemed genuinely pleased by this milestone, and asked if Take That would beat it after their concerts here next month. "I assured them that their record of 22 shows and over 250,000 ticket sales was safe for some time yet."

Shane told the 14,000 fans about the honour. He said: "We love coming to Manchester and tonight has been a special night because we have been given an award. Possible "I would like to thank all of you for making it possible."

The Irish boyband's record will be made all the sweeter by the fact that they pipped their former manager - Ronan Keating, who performed 14 times at the Arena with Boyzone and fives times as a solo artist - playing to 242,000 fans. It was Ronan who gave Westlife their first big break of course - the band supported Boyzone at one of their MEN Arena dates and, in those days, went by the name `Westside'.

Take That are likely to claim third spot in the M.E.N. Arena popularity stakes. They have already recorded 143,000 sales and stand to add another 90,000 with their six sell-out shows later this month.

Source: Manchesteronline.co.uk

Filan gets prop life. (27th April)
The Mirror (London, England); 4/25/2006
Byline: By NICOLA TALLANT

TWO homes belonging to Westlife's Shane Filan are to get a makeover on RTE's Showhouse, it was revealed yesterday.
The singer's properties in Dromahair, Co Leitrim, will be redesigned by Ann Tuohy and Lee O'Neill.

Shane, 26, and his brother Finbarr formed Shafin Developments Limited in 2004 and built 100 houses in the village last year.
The star set up the business so he has an alternative to the music industry when he calls it a day with Westlife.

Shane is currently living in his own dream home in Co.Sligo, with wife Gillian and their nine-month-old daughter Nicole.

Showhouse will be screened on Thursday May 4 on RTE1.

Source: The Mirror

Westlife star’s company in €52,000 loss (25th April)
By Ian Guider
A PROPERTY development company owned by Westlife singer Shane Filan showed a loss of just over €52,000 last year.

But accounts for Shafin Developments Limited, which was set up by Shane and his older brother Finbarr a couple of years ago, show the company has assets of nearly than €4 million.

The company was incorporated in 2004 by Shane and his brother and the board also includes the singer’s wife Gillian and another director, Geraldine Gilroy.

According to the accounts, which cover the year to end June 2005, the company had stocks of €5.7 million and creditors of €1.76m.

However, since the year end, Shafin Developments has completed 100 houses in the village of Dromahair in Co Leitrim, which should push up the value of the company’s assets to around €15m.

Shafin also has total bank borrowings of €4.1m, which is secured against the company’s land at Dromahair, personal guarantees from Shane and charges over life assurance.

A note to the accounts also said that Shane loaned the company €1.48m during the year.

The 26-year-old Sligo-born singer is estimated to have earned close to €10m as part of Westlife.

The band have released seven albums with sales of more than 34 million worldwide.

Source: Irish Examiner

Shane flies without wings after ‘copter fire (11th April)
By Siobhán Breatnach

A helicopter belonging to Westlife's Shane Filan was destroyed in a fire at the weekend.
The pop star splashed out on the flying machine two years ago.
The Sligo star was rumoured to have spent hundreds of thousands of Euros on the helicopter.
The fire destroyed three helicopters and damaged one other in Galway.
The helicopter was being stored in a hanger on the premises of Executive Helicopters in Oranmore.
It had been flown there for annual maintenance on Thursday.
The alarm was raised at 6.45am on Saturday morning.
Fire brigade units from Tuam, Athenry, Loughrea and Galway City fought to bring the blaze under control.
The flames were eventually put out in just over an hour.
Galway fire-fighter Noel McGuire said: "Three of the helicopters were totally written-off and the forth was badly scorched."
It is estimated that the damage may run into millions of euro.
The cause of the blaze is still unknown. The scene is being preserved for Garda forensic examinations.
The Robinson-44 helicopter was on the ground for annual maintenance work.
The flying machine seats four people: a pilot, front passenger and two back passengers.
It can travel at a speed of up to 209 kilometres per hour.
A Robinson-44 would normally sell for around €250,000, with costs of up to €21,000 per year for maintenance and insurance.
Meanwhile Shane and the Westlife boys are this week playing sold-out concerts to crowds in Dublin's Point Depot.
With his helicopter now out of action Shane will face a much longer commute home to Sligo to his wife Gillian and baby daughter Nicole.

Source: Unknown

Don't write us off yet, says Westlife's Shane (4th April)
Westlife's Shane Filan sent out a message for the band's critics today: "Don't write us off just yet".

The Sligo singer said the chart-topping Irish act had no intention of calling it a day, and said he hoped the group would be around for at least another five years.

Shane was speaking ahead of tonight's concert at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

Westlife will kick off their UK and Ireland tour in Belfast, playing three dates in the city before moving on to Cork and then Dublin.

He said: "We've always said that we would only quit when our fans stopped buying our albums and didn't want us around anymore.

"But our last album Face To Face was the most successful of the last five years and was in the top five best-selling albums of last year.

"We know people are waiting for the bubble to burst but the way we see it is that this is a long-term career for us.

"We all love being in Westlife, we enjoy recording, we enjoy touring. It's our lives.

"We never had any plans to retire when we hit 25. We intend to keep going. Our tour sold out, our albums and singles are doing well, so we have no reason to stop."

For the last three tours, Westlife have opted to start the ball rolling at the Odyssey Arena.

Shane said: "We love Belfast, firstly because the Odyssey is one of the best venues in Europe and secondly, because the fans there are absolutely mental and always give us a great reception."

Westlife themselves will be back in the studio in the summer to record another album. Shane said: "We've already got four or five songs written for it and it's looking good."

Source: Belfast Telegraph

G4's Jon about Shane (23rd March)
What’s your funniest celebrity story?
Jon: “That’s got to be when we were over in Ireland at an aftershow party and Westlife were there.
“Shane was drunk and was talking about how Louis rang him up about the Your Raise Me Up single and was saying how he didn’t think he’d manage it. He was so drunk and waffling on it was hilarious and surreal he was talking to me. And his wife kept telling him off!”

Shane interview from Woman Magazine (23rd March)
"There's something special about dads and daughters isn't there?" says likeable Westlife singer Shane, 26. "Daughters make you feel so protective. Nicole's still only eight months old but sometimes I imagine her grown up and guys calling for her. And if I'm honest, part of me isn't looking forward to that."

It doesn't take much to get Shane talking about Nicole, who's starting to get her own personality.
"She's getting cheeky" he says, "she knows if you're not looking at her and she'll start making little noises to attract your attention."
"She has blue eyes like her mother and light brown hair like mine. And she also has a dimple in her chin that she inherited from me."

She doesn't by any chance have her father wrapped round her little finger, does she?
"Oh she's definitely a daddy's girl" laughs Shane.
So are the couple hoping to have a brother or sister for Nicole?
"Oh yes" says Shane "but not for at least a year or two. Westlife has such a busy schedule and it would be harder with two. I'd like three, four, even five children eventually, but it's up to Gillian. She's the one who has to do the hard work. "I'm the youngest of seven and Gillian's one of four. I think you want to repeat happy experiences of family life, don't you?"

Gillian was Shane's childhood sweetheart, the cousin of westlife band member, Kian Egan."We met when we were 12 in Sligo, where we both grew up" says Shane. It's why, he thinks, that the fans have accepted Gillian. "They realise we're normal lads with private lives. I think the fans know that if we're happy in our personal lives, then we'll be happy to carry on with Westlife. If our privacy was invaded it would stop us wanting to work so hard as a band. "Gillian's one hundred percent suppportive. Fans like her, which means a lot to me. If she felt uncomfortable with them, then I would too."

In July Westlife will have been together for eight years, quite an achievement in the fickle world of pop. "Our seventh album, Face to Face, has now sold a million and a half copies in the UK alone, our biggest selling album ever." he shakes his head in mild wonder. "I never dreamt it would take off like that. But then our single You Raise Me Up, taken from that album, was also our most successful. We're hoping our current single, Amazing will repeat that success." "People ask how we've managed to stay around for so long. I think that it's down to keeping busy and giving people what they want."
Which is what?
"Power ballads. It's how we built our reputation and it's a style we've returned to after a few experiments, such as our ratpack album, along the way." The enduring Westlife take to the road agian for a tour of the Uk and Ireland, beginning in Belfast on April 3. Then it's off to Asia before returning to Britain for 20 outdoor concerts throughout July and August. "It reminds me of the days when Westlife were just starting out" says Shane. "We're in such demand" but he's not complaining. "we're really full-on and that's what you have to be if you want to stay on top." But wouldn't it be nice is Westlife at last lost their boyband tag, particularly now that he's a married man and a father to boot? "Whatever we say or do" claims Shane "we'll still be called a boyband in five years time-even though we'll all be in our 30s!"

Source: Woman Magazine, thanks to ... on the officiela board for typing it up.

Westlife "Face to Face" with Beijing Fans (7th March)
Irish boy band Westlife, most famous to Chinese fans for its chart-topping tracks "My Love" and "Seasons in the Sun," brought its new album "Face to Face" to Beijing on Monday afternoon.

Westlife is one of the most popular singing groups on the world's music stage nowadays, and this time its new album well reveals the group's true quality with its theme song "You Raise Me Up" having topped the British music charts for many weeks after its release.

The four members, Shane, Mark, Nicky and Kian, appeared at a press conference in the Chinese capital yesterday, which was attended by thousands of excited fans and local media.

The lovely boys even had a try at Chinese calligraphy. Although they did calligraphy for the first time, they were highly praised with thundering applause, fans calling them "good handwritings" after they wrote the name of their group in Chinese, "Xi Cheng Nan Hai."

The boys will come to China again for about two weeks later this year to do some promotion for the new album, "Face to Face," in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Kunming.

Source: CriEnglish.com

Westlife Are No 1! (7th March)
Following on from their sensational Australian promo tour, Westlife have skyrocketed to No 1 on the ARIA albums chart with their brilliant album 'Face To Face'! We had a chat with the awesome foursome while they were in town, and got the inside scoop on the album, marriage proposals, and how Brian McFadden's departure from the band affected them all...
Westlife are household names in the UK, and it looks like they're well on the way to being household names in Australia too! Their new album 'Face To Face' has become their first No 1 album in Australia, while their stunning single 'You Raise Me Up' has just made a giant leap from No 40 to No 8 on the ARIA singles chart.

Rumour has it the guys will be back later in the year for more promotion and possibly a national tour.
'Face To Face' and 'You Raise me Up' are in stores now.

Source: Top40 Charts

Face to Face no.1 in Australia (5th March)
Westlife's Face to Face reached no.1 in the Australian charts today. Which makes it their first no.1 album in Australia. Congrats lads!

Westlife join Bryn's bash (5th March)
Laura Kemp, Wales on Sunday

BOY BAND Westlife and Dame Shirley Bassey are the headline acts for baritone Bryn Terfel's Faenol Festival this year.

The Irish crooners open the seventh annual event on Friday, August 25, while the Tiger Bay temptress stars on Sunday, August 27.

Saturday night will be dedicated to opera and classical lovers, with negotiations to land an exciting international line-up in the final stages. The cream of Welsh popular music will return once more to light the dragon's fire on Monday, August 28 to draw the festival to a close.

Bryn said yesterday: "Last year's four-night format was such a success that we're sticking to it, and I'm eagerly looking forward to presenting another stunning weekend in which a world of music comes to Wales."

Westlife added: "We're delighted to be opening this year's Faenol.

"Wales is a beautiful country - so much like our home. We're looking forward to a fantastic concert there.

Tickets for all the Faenol Festival performances are on sale from the North Wales Theatre box office on 01492 872000, Theatr Gwynedd Box Office on 01248 351708 and Silverstar on 01286 672333.

Online bookings can be made on www.brynfest.com.

Source: IC Wales

Bassey, Westlife sign for Faenol (5th March)
Chart-topping boy band Westlife and one of music's most enduring divas, Dame Shirley Bassey, are to perform at this year's Bryn Terfel Faenol Festival.
They are the first acts to be confirmed for the annual event, launched by the Welsh opera star in August 1998.
In 2005, more than 30,000 tickets were sold and organisers say the August Bank Holiday event at the foot of Snowdon brings £1.5m to the local economy.

Terfel said he was delighted with the big name bookings.
The Irish band will open the first night of the four-day 2006 festival held in a spectacular setting on the Faenol Estate, near Caernarfon.
Cardiff-born Dame Shirley will headline the opera and classical music night the following day.

Westlife burst onto the UK music scene seven years ago at about the same time Terfel's festival was launched.
Shirley Bassey will be performing in north Wales for the first time since she sang at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod's gala in 2003.
Terfel said: "I'm delighted to be joined this year by Dame Shirley Bassey and the boys of Westlife - they are without a doubt among the brightest stars of the popular music world"

The singer said he was "very excited" by the festival line-up taking shape for the Saturday night classical gala.
"I'm keeping cards close to my chest until we finalise discussions, but look forward to introducing some stunning new classical artists and some internationally-renowned opera stars in Wales," Terfel said.

"It's going to be a wonderful and very memorable festival."

'Such as success'
The Faenol Festival has grown in size and stature since its launch, now attracting visitors from as far away as the USA.
Last August, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Van Morrison and Katherine Jenkins were among the draws.
Also last year, the festival expanded from a three-night to a four-night format.
Terfel said it was "such a success that we're sticking to it".

Source: Unknown

Westlife's new fan (3rd March)
Kiki King, Eva Simpson & Caroline Hedley
WESTLIFE have a new fan in country king Garth Brooks, who was bowled over by the lads' version of his song The Dance.

Says a spy: "He's given them his full backing, the song's going to be big." The year's shaping up well for the lads, who are in Australia where Raise Me Up is about to go to No. 1. Bonzer, boys.

Source: Unknown

Westlife are the fab fore (13th February)
WESTLIFE have signed a massive deal to become the faces of Adidas golf gear.
It’s great for KIAN EGAN, NICKY BYRNE, MARK FEEHILY and SHANE FILAN – who will get loads of free clobber and a pile of cash.

But come on lads, you are up for Best Pop at the Brits. Pop is supposed to be aimed at young people.

You won’t win many fans in typical golf outfits – brought to you here by my computer wizards.

Source: The Sun Online

Tour news (7th February)
Good news for all the Asian, European and Chinese fans out there! Shane has mentioned all of us in a GMTV interview, held earlier this week. No dates are announced yet but he did say that they would tour UK& Ireland, Europe, China and Australia from April til mid-August onwards!

Westlife: We may duet with Jackson (3rd February)
Irish boy band Westlife said there was a strong chance they would be recording a duet with controversial pop star Michael Jackson.

After picking up the the Best Irish Pop Act for the sixth year in a row at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin's Point Theatre, Shane Filan said the notion of a duet with Jackson had come from their manager Louis Walsh.

"The idea to do a single with Michael Jackson came from Louis Walsh who met up with an agent about three months ago in Germany," he said, adding it was a 50/50 chance whether it would go ahead.

"It would be this cool thing to do, we are all big fans of Michael Jackson."

Filan said the song would be a ballad rather than an up-tempo song.

He said there was also a possibility they would be performing a duet with Lionel Richie and they were also discussing doing a song with Julio Iglesias for his up-coming album.

"If we get one we would be very happy because they are all big names," he said.

Nicki Byrne said last year had been a defining year for the band after Brian McFadden had left them to go solo. But he said they went on to have their biggest album in about four years.

"2005 became this phenomenal year for us," Byrne said.

"If we get the songs right, we can go on for as long as we want to."

Source: Yahoo! Launch

Jackson to collaborate with Westlife (3rd February)

Controversial pop superstar MICHAEL JACKSON is considering recording a collaboration with Irish boyband WESTLIFE.

Plans have been underway since the group's manager LOUIS WALSH met with one of Jackson's agents in Germany three months ago (NOV05).

And the four piece are desperate to hit the studio to record a ballad with the BAD hitmaker.

Speaking after last night's (02FEB06) Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin, SHANE FILAN said, "The idea to do a single with Michael Jackson came from Louis Walsh.

"It would be this cool thing to do, we are all big fans of Michael Jackson."

Westlife are also lining up collaborations with LIONEL RICHIE and JULIO IGLESIAS. Filan adds, "If we get one we would be very happy because they are all big names."

Source: Contactmusic

Westlife may duet with Jacko (3rd February)
Irish boy band Westlife last night said there was a strong chance they would be recording a duet with controversial pop star Michael Jackson

After picking up the the Best Irish Pop Act for the sixth year in a row at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin's Point Theatre, Shane Filan said the notion of a duet with Jackson had come from their manager Louis Walsh.

"The idea to do a single with Michael Jackson came from Louis Walsh who met up with an agent about three months ago in Germany," he said, adding it was a 50/50 chance whether it would go ahead.

"It would be this cool thing to do, we are all big fans of Michael Jackson."
Filan said the song would be a ballad rather than an up-tempo song.

He said there was also a possibility they would be performing a duet with Lionel Richie and they were also discussing doing a song with Julio Iglesias for his up-coming album.

"If we get one we would be very happy because they are all big names," he said.

Nicki Byrne said last year had been a defining year for the band after Brian McFadden had left them to go solo. But he said they went on to have their biggest album in about four years.

"2005 became this phenomenal year for us," Byrne said. "If we get the songs right, we can go on for as long as we want to."

Source: This Is London

TV dates (1st February)
GMTV 06.02.2006
Top of the Pops - pre-record 07.02.2006
CD:UK 11.02.2006
BRIT Awards 15.02.2006
TOTP Reloaded - pre-record 16.02.2006
This Morning 20.02.2006
Davina McCall chat show - pre-record 21.02.2006

Source: Westlife.com

Attention Westlife Fans In Italy! (1st February)
Westlife and Top of The Pops UK are going to the Winter Olympics!

A spectacular concert with some of the biggest names in music is going to take place on Monday 6th February and Tuesday 7th February in Sauze D'oulx in front of 2000 fans!

If you want to be there and see Westlife perform on 7th February, or for further information, click on www.totp.it and fill in the details and your ticket will arrive on e-mail!

Source: Westlife.com

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Extra Tour Dates On Pre-Sale Now (1st February)
Westlife have unveiled nine brand new dates for their tour this summer, and we've got details of how to get your hands on tickets before they go on general release.

Just head over to www.summernightsonline.co.uk/westlife, where you'll be able to buy them online before they're on general sale on Friday 3rd February (exc. Edinburgh Castle, which is on general sale from 10th Feb).

The extra dates are as follows:
Friday 30th June – Bleinheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Saturday 1st July – Harewood House, Yorkshire
Saturday 8th July – Leeds Castle, Kent
Sunday 9th July – Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Friday 14th July – Cardiff Castle
Sunday 16th July – The Recreation Ground, Bath
Friday 21st July – Edinburgh Castle
Saturday 22nd July – Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Sunday 23rd July – Althorpe House, Northamptonshire

Source: Westlife.com

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Stars party night away after charity show in Point (1st February)
Tuesday January 31st 2006

POP music's brightest stars let down their hair to party at the Childline concert after-show party in Lillies.

After giving high-octane performances in the Point for the charity gig, Liberty X members Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young continued to give it their all on Lillie's dance floor.

The pretty pop stars shunned the VIP section to shake their booty on the dance floor.

Solo artist, Lee Ryan, Blue's former frontline singer, joined the energetic duo. Lee spent the night dancing with Jessica and the pair seemed to get on brilliantly, laughing and joking all night.

Lee's old Blue band mate, Simon Webbe, took over the decks in Lillie's for a while and acted as a temporary DJ to the delight of Irish Boyband Zoo and Liberty X. All of the stars descended on the dance floor for Simon's set.

Zoo band member Barry Cosgrave, who sported a new plaits hairstyle, also showed an interest in 25-year-old Liberty X's Jessica. Although the bubbly blonde was friendly, it was obvious she had little interest and Barry swiftly made an exit back to the VIP bar.

But it was difficult for any of the pop stars to top the performance of Shane Filan and his lovely wife Gillian as they took over the dance floor. The loved-up couple looked ecstatic as they danced together. Shane picked up his petite wife and lifted her in the air. Gillian looked as svelte and slim as ever despite having given birth to the couple's first child, Nicola, six months ago.

Shane wasn't the only Westlife Boy with eyes only for his partner. Nicky Byrne sat huddled in the VIP lounge for the night with his wife, Georgina Ahern.

Meanwhile Mark Feehily happily mingled in the VIP lounge with his partner Kevin McDaid, whom he met at last year's concert.

Source: Irish Independent

Amazing single details (29th January 2006)

Single details for Amazing, which is released on February 20th:

CD1:
1. Amazing
2. Still Here (written by Savan Kotecha and Kristian Lundin; published by EMI Blackwood & Oh Suki Music (BMI/STIM))

CD2:
1. Amazing
2. Miss You When I'm Dreaming (written by Markus Feehily, Shane Filan, Savan Kotecha, and Jacob Schulze; published by EMI Blackwood & Oh Suki Music (BMI/NCB/IMRO))
3. Exclusive Westlife Chat

Shane plays on for the Baby (29th January 2006)
WESTLIFE star Shane Filan is determined the band will be around for many years to come... so his baby daughter Nicole can see them in action.
Shane, 26, and his bandmates threatened to quit last year if their album Face To Face was not a big hit.
It was a huge success and he says they are more committed to the band's long-term future than ever.
Shane said: "We want to be doing this in five years. We're so excited about the response to this album - it shows people still want us.

"I look forward to the future a lot and having Nicole makes me want to work much harder for her. I'd love nothing more than for Nicole to come to a gig and see daddy on stage in a few years."
Shane and the lads have all settled down with their respective partners - Nicky is married to Georgina Aherne, Kian lives with actress Jodi Albert and Mark is with V singer Kevin McDaid.

Nicole will be paying her first visit to Scotland when Westlife perform at Glasgow's SECC on May 5, 6 and 7 and the AECC in Aberdeen on May 9 and 10.

Shane said: "Nicole won't be at the concerts as she's too young but it will be nice to know she and my wife Gillian are waiting at the hotel."

Source: Glasgow Sunday Mail

He's a star Shane opts for the property game (29th January 2006)
Saturday January 28th 2006

WESTLIFE singer Shane Filan showed there was no end to his talent yesterday when he cut the ribbon on his first venture into the property market writes Anita Guidera.
But the millionaire star hastened to reassure fans that his latest project did not spell the end to his music career.

The Sligo singer has teamed up with his older brother Finbarr for the €15m venture which, when completed, will comprise of 100 houses in the picture postcard perfect village of Dromahair in County Leitrim.

Shane, who was mobbed by fans at yesterday's opening, revealed that getting into property had always been his dream. "I've been lucky enough to have been all over the world with Westlife and I saw so many different kinds of buildings. "It gave me ideas about what I wanted to do," he said. He confessed that the millions he made from the group's success was a great help. "I don't think I could have done it without Westlife, or without Finbarr. He did all the hard slog putting the deal together while I was away performing."

Source: Irish Independent

Filan homes to prove a big hit in Dromahair (29th January 2006)
Would you like to live in a house that has star quality? Now you have the chance to live in a house designed by a member of the hottest pop acts on the planet.
Westlife’s Shane Filan has entered into the business of building houses and his first project, Stonebridge in Dromahair, is being launched this Friday.
Shane and his older brother, Finbarr, have set up their own company, Shafin Developments and teamed up with McInerney Building Contractors for this housing project.
Stonebridge is a development of three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached homes on the outskirts of Dromahair village.
They are situated overlooking the river Bonnet and enjoy a beautiful natural setting.
Interest in the homes has been strong and some are sold but there is plenty still on offer.
Prices range from €195,000 upwards and investors/owner occupiers have the benefit of rural renewal tax relief.
The official launch will be performed by Shane Filan at 3pm this Friday, January 27.

Source: Sligoweekender.ie (25th January 2006)

"Best Pop Act" Brit Nomination For Westlife (10th January 2006)
Westlife are up for best Pop Act in this year's Brit Awards. They haven't been nominated since 2002 so this is a fabulous achievement for our favourite four-piece! The nominees are:
James Blunt
Katie Melua
Kelly Clarkson
Madonna
Westlife

What better news to start the year with?

Source: Brits.co.uk

Xmas ain't plane sailing for Shane (19th December)
Shane Filan's baby daughter was on the verge of getting sweet nothing for her first christmas.

Airline staff in Sweden refused to let the Westlife-singer board a plane with his sack of prezzies for Nicole, five months, and the rest of the family.

The problem was resolved in the end but not before the panicking popstar refused to travel without them, threatening to throw the boybands promotional schedule into chaos.

Shane, 26, said "We'd been so busy with the new album we had to do our shopping whenever we got a minute. I got loads of presents in Sweden and ended up filling 2 suitcases with them. So I had three to get on the plane. At check-in I was told there was no way they'd let them on. But I could not leave them behind."

"I begged and pleaded and offered to pay for the excess baggage. In the end I had to give out free Westlife cds and use the old Irish charm before they relented."

The 'Loife - Shane, Nicky Byrne, 27, Mark Feehily, 25 and Kian Egan, 25, were beaten to no.1 by Nizlopi yesterday despite teaming up with Diana Ross for a remake of When You Tell Me That You Love Me.

But they're still looking forward to being back in Ireland for Christmas.

Shane who plans a cosy chrimble with wife Gillian, 26, said "Our first as parents will be extra special."

Source: Daily Star

Face To Face with Westlife (16th December)
By SIMON ROTHSTEIN
Sun Online

SHOCK, horror, after 13 No1 singles Westlife have admitted they're sick of many of their most famous songs.
In an exclusive webchat Nicky, Shane, Kian and Mark answered YOUR questions - giving their candid views on everything from Take That's recent reunion to The Crazy Frog's private parts.
Nicky revealed that he's hoping to follow Shane by becoming a dad, Mark told how easy it was for him to come out as gay and the lads agreed that ex-member Brian will never rejoin them.
And, in the biggest surprise of all, Westlife admitted that their bosses and bickering X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell are actually close friends away from the TV cameras.

Hi guys, I'm a huge fan. What are your favourite tracks on your new album Face To Face?
Amelia, Malaysia
Nicky - It's weird when you make an album, as your favourite song will change every time you listen to it.
Right now Colour My World is the one I like best, as we've not actually performed it anywhere.
And people are loving You Raise Me Up, so that's a favourite too.
Shane - I have to agree about You Raise Me Up - it's a song that I'm not sick of yet, which is a good sign.
Kian - We sing our songs so much, it's very difficult for us not to get sick of them.
Mark - The only songs that we perform at every gig and still love are Flying Without Wings and World Of Our Own.

I love your new single When You Tell Me That You Love Me featuring Diana Ross. For the video, was she actually present or were you both recorded at different times?
Ian Day, Northampton and Patricia, Lincolnshire
Shane - Everyone asks that but, believe it or not, she was there.
Mark - That video is so heavily lit and edited it looks like she's been superimposed.
When we recorded the song, Diana did her bits in LA and we did ours in London. But for the video she was definitely there. I promise!
Shane - People say Diana's this mad diva - but she was very normal and chatty.
We expected her to turn up at the end and pose for a few shots, but she actually arrived at 8.30 in the morning to watch our first rehearsals and stayed all day.
Nicky - For our next duet I'd love to do something with Madonna.
Shane - A whole duets album is also something we want to do in the future, as well as a Christmas album.

If Brian asked to come back would you let him?
Michelle
Nicky - We've always said never say never - but we wouldn't want Brian back and Brian wouldn't want to be back.
We're a different band without him and Face To Face is set to be our biggest album ever, without him on it.
You have to look at the reasons why Brian left. He was obviously severely unhappy to make such a decision. I've never got to the real root of his problem.
So no, I don't think Brian will ever come back.

I watched the Take That documentary and those guys got up to some real naughties. Is that what being in Westlife is like?
Diane, Leeds
Nicky - What you saw in the Take That documentary is almost identical to what it's like being in any big boy band.
Kian - They were a bit madder than us though!
Nicky - And obviously we're all in very committed relationships whereas they weren't.
People think it's hard being on the road but we get a lot of time off in Westlife and because we've made good money we can fly our loved ones over to be with us when we're touring abroad.

What do you think of Take That getting back together?
Sal, Durham
Shane - Before we were in Westlife we used to watch Take That's videos and really look up to them. I still think Gary Barlow is one of the best singer/songwriters in the world and they were mentors for us.
Nicky - We think it's great that Take That are doing a tour but, for their own sakes, I hope they don't record a new album.
The public love nostalgia, but they shouldn't try and go beyond that. Maradona was a great footballer - but he's not going to be great today!

What do you think of Howard saying: "We're going to give a very entertaining and energetic show. We're not going to be sat on chairs like certain groups nowadays." Do you think he was talking about you?
Dan Tabbrett, Romford
Nicky - I hope he wasn't though, because there are plenty of things that could be said back towards Take That!
And as far as I know Howard Donald has never been to a Westlife show.

What do you think of Louis and Simon on the X Factor? Is the tension between them actually real?
Patricia, Lincolnshire
Mark - They are very good friends!
The judges do get annoyed with each other and at one point Louis was leaving the show, but deep down Simon and Louis and very close.
Nicky - It's funny because we've been mentioned on X Factor quite a lot and The Conway Sisters even sang You Raise Me Up.
I don't think Simon and Louis set out to do it on purpose, but it's definitely helped us.

Does it bother you that the X Factor winner, possibly managed by Simon or Louis, will be going up against you in the race for Christmas No1?
Lisa Hill, Sunderland
Mark - No, it doesn't really matter because at Christmas you're up against cartoons, people made of putty and JCBs!
So I think the X Factor is actually quite a normal thing to be competing with.
And being realistic, the show's winner will definitely be this year's Christmas No1.

What do you think of Chico being banned from releasing a Christmas single?
Dave
Kian - Before the show started everyone signed a contract saying they weren't allowed to release a song before the winner.
I think that makes sense, as the victor should leave the show with the best opportunity at a music career.
X Factor is so big that if Chico was to release a single it would more than likely be No1 - and that could rob the winner of their chance to get out there and do it themselves.

After your defeat at the hands of Bob The Builder at Christmas 2000, are you worried about The Crazy Frog beating you this year?
Carly, Leeds
Nicky - I don't mind getting beat by The Crazy Frog because he's got a small willy - he has his own problems!
Shane - Losing to Bob The Builder was quite devastating actually, because we were aiming for an unbroken run of 10 No1 singles and he stopped that.
But we've learnt that at Christmas, you've just got to laugh and hope for the best!

How will you be spending this Christmas? Will you each be with your own families or will there be a Westlife get together?
Sarah Jane Chubb, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport
Mark - We will be with our families - we've never had a big Westlife Christmas.
Shane - We see so much of each other, that is the one day of the year we definitely spend with our loved ones.
Nicky - Don't tell Louis though - he'll want us to have a meeting on Christmas Day!

Shane, how are you finding being a dad to Nicole?
Danielle, Stoke On Trent

Shane - It's been amazing and Nicole is beautiful.
Except for two 10 day trips to South Africa, I've practically seen her every day since she was born on July 23.
Nicole has started giggling and laughing. Last night I was tickling her and she couldn't stop laughing for about 10 minutes. It was brilliant.
I don't play Westlife to her, but I do sing Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely. She loves that song - I've even made it my ringtone.

Nicky, when are you and Georgina going to have a baby like Shane?
Amy, Hong Kong
Nicky - I'm not sure, but seeing how happy Shane is definitely makes me want to be a dad.
When Brian had Molly I felt that we were too young to really appreciate what having a child was like.
I thought Molly was the cutest thing in the world, but it was always nice to give her back.
But with Nicole, we're three or four years older and I'm married, which has made me very broody!

Hi Mark - You must be happy with the overwhelming support you've received since coming out as gay? Was it hard decision to make?
Kate, Derby
Mark - It's not something that I found difficult at all.
When you get to the point of feeling OK about doing it, it's just a case of finding a few minutes to actually say the words.
Getting to that place was hard, but once I got there I had absolutely no problem.
And once you come out, it makes your life a lot better and easier.
Shane - I think we all knew Mark was gay, but it was up to him to tell us himself.
We travel so much together that we're like family. I know more about the boys individually and personally than I do my own brothers.
Mark - And I never bluffed them or said: "I was out with this girl last night."
By the time I said it I was just confirming what they already knew.

Being gay myself, I can totally relate to Mark's decision to come out. I'd like to ask Mark if there are marriage bells in the distance now the Civil Partnerships Act has been introduced? If not, I'm a nice Scottish lad and available!
Brian, Dundee
Mark - I have no plans to get married but I think the Act is fantastic.
I don't see any reason why people in same-sex relationships can't celebrate and make a statement of their love.
I don't know the full details of the new law, but I do know it's better in terms of things like inheritance - and again there's no reason why a gay couple shouldn't have exactly the same rights as a straight couple.
And it's nice to know that if I ever do get to the point of wanting to get married then I can do it in this country.

Can you ever envisage the day when Westlife split up or will you keep going until you take Elvis's record of 21 No1 singles?
Becky, Bristol
Shane - We'd like to have the most No1s, but I don't think we'll ever beat Elvis.
Mark - And we're very happy with our 13 No1s so far, which is better than Take That and Boyzone.
Kian - You've got to take things year by year, especially being the type of band we are.
We'd love to go on for as long as possible and we will, as long as people are still enjoying what we're doing and we're still enjoying it.

Source: The Sun.co.uk

Westlife scoop Record Of The year! (10th December)
Pop group Westlife have won the UK's Record of the Year award for their single You Raise Me Up.

The band were among a shortlist of the 10 biggest-selling singles of the year with the winner chosen by ITV viewers.

McFly's All About You came in at second place, followed by the Black Eyed Peas' My Humps.

TV presenter Vernon Kay hosted the ITV1 programme which showcased the 10 finalists and opened the phone lines to viewers on Saturday.

It is the fourth time Westlife have won the ITV award.

James Blunt came in at fourth place for You're Beautiful, followed by Daniel Powter's Bad Day.

Gorillaz, Gwen Stefani, Lemar, Kelly Clarkson and Katie Melua were also in the shortlisted top 10.

Source: Bbc.co.uk

Westlife have won Record Of The Year 2005! (10th December)
They did it, once again they've won Record Of The Year, this time You Raise Me Up is crowned single of the year in the UK.
Westlife has won this title a record breaking 4 times now. In 1999 Flying Without Wings got chosen, the following year it was My Love that got this title and back in 2003 they won Record Of The Year with Barry Manilow's Mandy.
Congratulations lads!

You Blow Me Up (I don't know how much of a truth is in this, so far it's only a rumour)(30th November)
You might think Westlife's return to the top of the charts was a back-from-the-dead feat fit for Lazarus (he was in the Bible, ask your vicar), but trust us, that's nothing!

It seems that the boys managed to cheat actual real death recently on a South African airline. They were about to head out to Cape Town to promote their comeback single 'You Raise Me Up' over there, when an engine on their plane exploded. Cue four fire engines and one pretty rattled boy-band.

Nicky told the Star: "We were extremely lucky. The captain was amazing in addressing the passengers and crew. South African Airlines got us a new plane so we were only an hour late on stage for a gig we had scheduled. I suppose our time just wasn't up yet."

Aw, he almost sounds sad about that, doesn't he?

Source: TOTP online

TOTP interview (bit late but ah) (18th November)
Ireland's very own Fantastic Four discuss super-spy skills, getting messy with mud and My Little Pony.

TOTP: If you were undercover spies, who would you most like to follow for the day?
Shane: President of the USA. Wanna find out about corruption and all the secrets he has.
Nicky: I dunno, I'll have to think about it...

TOTP: What would your super-spy skill be?
Shane: X-ray vision.
TOTP: Who would you like to see?
Shane: Lots of people.
Kian: Flying.
Nicky: Reading minds.

TOTP: What were your quilt covers?
Shane: Beano, it was all I had actually.
Kian: Garfeld - big Garfield fan when i was a kid. I used to think he was amazing. I had a Garfield teddy too.
Nicky: I thought you said you liked My Little Pony at one stage?
KianNicky: Oh no that was Bryan...(laughs)
Mark: I had Batman and Robin. I used to watch the series.
TOTP: Have you seen the new film?
Mark: Yeah we saw it last week actually, thought it was very good.
Shane: I saw it in the cinema, very good.
Nicky: I had Star Wars!
TOTP: Were you a Big Darth Vader fan?
Nicky: No, I liked Luke Skywalker - he was better.

TOTP: Have you ever had to tell a lie for somebody?
Nicky: Yes, we've had to tell a few lies, haven't we lads?
Kian: Everyday we lie.
Shane: But we blow our cover.
Nicky: The secret to a good liar is to never reveal what the actual information is. We could tell you but then we'd have to kill you.
Kian: We are also undercover spies, under the Star Wars cover.

TOTP: What would you most like to be covered in; chocolate, custard or strawberry jam, or anything else?
All: Chocolate.
Mark: I don't really like the idea of being covered in anything in all honesty.
Shane: I wouldn't mind mud.
TOTP: Mud masks!! Good if you're pregnant.
Shane: I'd prefer that than chocolate. I think covering your body in food is a weird thing to do.
Nicky: Covering your genitals in food isn't that weird.
All: Silence...
TOTP: Have you got something You want us to know?
Nicky: Oh no... was just saying. Did I say that out loud?

TOTP: Have you ever gone undercover amongst your fans to see what they are saying?
Kian: Yeah, once or twice on the tour.
Nicky: Yeah, I dressed up as security, with a hard-hat, glasses and a big lumious security jacket thing and a sweeping brush about an hour before we went on stage. A couple of people kinda looked but no-one really said anything.
TOTP: Did you ever hear people saying anything about the band?
Nicky: Nah...it was pretty quick before people recognised and I got annihilated. I was in and out pretty quick.

TOTP: What's the best album cover ever?
Mark: Take That's greatest hits - the four dolls, or was it five dolls?
Kian: There was an array of things on that.
Mark: Yeah, but the dolls were the centrepiece.
Nicky: All their albums covers and merchandise were pretty cool.
Shane: The Oasis one with the car in the swimming pool was pretty cool.

TOTP: If we had to cover your job for the day, what would be the best thing and what would be the worst?
Shane: Best thing probably going shopping.
Nicky: Going on stage, that's more of a perk than shopping.
Kian: Yeah going on stage in Wembley or something. That's pretty cool.
Shane: Worst is getting up early at like, half four for a 6 o'clock flight from Heathrow or something. That's not enjoyable at all. Actually I'd follow Mark for the day... because the question in Westlife is always, "Where's Mark?", so I'd like to know where he goes.

Source: TOTP online

Vip interview (10th November)
Shane, you've had a big change in your life lately too. In July yourself and Gillian became parents to baby Nicole. What does it feel like to be a dad?!
It's unbelievable. It's been the best three months of my life. Being a dad is the most amazing feeling in the world. You see things like the little dimple I have on my chin - she has it too! And she's also got Gillian's big blue eyes and hair colour. Even the expressions she makes remind us of ourselves. We hope to have many, many more children. We both were brought up in very big families. I can't bear to be away from her, It's strange what time apart can do to you when you're a dad for the first time.

How are yu going to cope with touring? Is it going to be a nightmare?
It is and it isn't. I'm never going to go for more than a week without seeing her. The great thing is we usually do about three or four nights in a city so we'll have a base for those few days and Gillian and Nicole will come over. If you were chopping and changing and in a different city every night, that would be a nightmare. Picture messages are my saving grace! But the more I get them, the more I want to see her. I've just got to get used to it because this is my job.

Unless of course you retire!
You could retire and go home, see her everyday and get bored off your head. But my goal and ambition is to keep the band going. Hopefully, when she's about three years old, she can come to a concert and see Daddy on the stage.

You really do want to sing for the rest of your life...
Oh totally, it's all I really want to do. It's the only thing I'm good at. I'm not boasting but I know I can sing. I love to sing and I love to be in front of a crowd. If I wasn't out doing that I'd feel weird. If I went home and just baby-sat, I'd be bored within a year.

Mark, how has Shane changed since becoming a dad?
He hasn't changed that much, he just doesn't come out with us as he used to! He's always been very much a family man so it's just like he has another addition to his family. He's always spent a lot of time with his family and his in-laws anyway. They are always going out for dinner together!

Source: VIP Magazine (November 2005)

WESTLIFE - WE NEARLY ENDED IT (10th November; typed by someone on the official messgaeboards)

Sitting pretty atop the singles chart and set to get a matching album hit this Sunday, Westlife are pop's golden boys, but they admit to Teletext they came close to jacking it all in.

This is the band's first pop outing since Brian left almost two years ago and for them it's a big deal.

"There were dark days. We were uneasy about our future and thought about calling it a day," Kian tells us.

When Brian McFadden upped and left Westlife, Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark wondered if they had a future as a four-piece.

"Eventually we thought, 'We should never call it a day just because one person doesn't want it," says Kian.

"We decided to go on our (sell-out) tour and prove we were just as good without him. Funnily enough we got some of the best reviews of our career."

Many thought Westlife's Allow Us To Be Frank Album was a sign that the boys were winding down before splitting up.

They tell us a different story, "It wasn't anything to do with Brian leaving," Mark tells us.

"We basically felt we weren't going to release another pop album until we had found the best possible songs to put on it, Now we feel our album is the strongest yet."

Westlife say they're getting on better than ever since Brian left.

"I don't want to blame this on him but we don't really argue anymore," Nicky says, "I don't know if that's because there's an equal number of us now."

Shane adds: "I think it's because we're older now and we don't let petty bickering get in the way. I was saying to Nicky it feels about five years ago, not two, that Brian left."

Nicky reckons if Brian had had a break from the band he may never have left.

"We've just had a four-month holiday and after all the fun stuff you come back and think. 'I have to do something with my life now'," he explains.

"The grass is always greener and you never know until you try jumping into the other field, so you never know with Brian, But he'd never admit it, he's a proud man. I'm like that too."

Flourishing as a four-piece, with a No.1 single and album, Westlife understandably don't feel threatened by the likes of McFly..

"They've done well and they're actually a very good band but to say they've stolen our crown, well I think they have a few more albums to go before they do that," Nicky says.

"They have captured the kiddier audience we used to have," adds Shane.

After a two-year break from mainstream pop, Westlife's flame is burning stronger than ever.

"We have zero per cent plans of giving up," Mark assures us.

"We became a better band without Brian," Nicky adds, "That's because it gave us a good kick up the butt and showed us how to fickle it all is, how it could be over in the morning."

In love and living the high life
They`ve knocked Robbie off the top of the album chart, and are still No.1 in the single charts, and the reason for westlife`s enduring success, they tell us, is they're all in love.

Many pop bands go their separate ways when love and babies enter the picture. But not this lot. "The babies, girlfriends and partners have made us closer, it's made us into a family", says Shane.

Not even stinky nappies and 3am wake-up calls have dimmed Westlife`s excitement about being a new band.

"I loved having a wife, and now I've got a family, it's the best thing in the world. Although I did play Nicole our album and she started roaring crying!"

He adds: "Every day of your life becomes special, every day you get a new photo on your mobile. I get texts from her even though she can`t talk."

It's not just Shane who gets all gooey about his newborn, the other Westlife boys are just as bad.

"Nicole's another little addition to the family, we're lucky to have a lovely little baby around," says Mark.

"When Brian's children were around we were a bit younger, but now we've grown up we're like, cool" adds Kian "We're all willing to give up our time to do the babysitting, it's really cool."

Nicky` Westlife tells teletext he could be the next daddy in the band.

"I'm probably more broody now than I've ever been. I changed Nicole's nappy for the first time the other week and I was like 'aawww'," he gushes.

"I imagine it will be a big shock but the thought of having a little part of me and a little part of Georgina in a little person would be amazing, hopefully, sometime in the future."

Now that Mark has come out - he's dating ex-V member Kevin - he feels the pressure is being taken off.

"walking down the streets, going shopping or to the cinema with Kevin is obviously that bit easier", he says.

"When you come out first of all, it's a big anti-climax - you realise it's no big deal and people dont actually care." Nicky adds, "In the time I've known Mark he's never been happier."

Now they`ve proved their doubters wrong, Westlife are keen to branch out in new musical directions,"It would be really cool to do a duet with a British girl band like the Sugababes, even if it wasn't for an album or a single. It would be good to do it on a tv show," says Kian.

And what of those Micheal Jackson rumours?
"It's not a 100% untrue. We would love to," says Shane.

"Westlife's next ambition is to duet with Micheal Jackson! People need to forget the court case now, he was proved innocent, musically he's a genius", says Mark. "To do a duet with him, well there's probably not a better thing to do - it'd be a cool disc to have on your wall," adds Shane,
"It makes me want to do Westlife for as long as possible so Nicole can come and see us in concert!"

Source: Teletext C4?

Pre-Sale Westlife Tour Tickets! (6th November)
Fantastic news - Westlife will be touring the UK and Republic of Ireland next spring! And to make sure you're among the first to get your hands on tickets, you'll be able to pre-order them next week by visiting one of the sites below. Venues and dates will be announced on Monday (7th November), and pre-sale tickets for Belfast will go on sale at 9am that day, and on general sale from Saturday 12th November. You'll be able to buy pre-sale tickets for the rest of the UK from 9am on Wednesday 9th November, and they'll go on general sale from Friday 11th November.

Visit one of these sites on Monday for full details:

Belfast link:

http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/18003B64CEE5F0AC?artistid=711587&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

Password: FACE

Rest of UK link:

www.getlive.co.uk/WestlifePresale

Source: westlife.com

Face To Face straight in at number 1! (6th November)
Westlife's new album went straight into number one in the Ireland and Uk charts this weekend. which means they knocked Robbie Williams of the top spot atfer one week!
So they're both number one for the album and the single, in both Ireland and the UK, well done lads!

1. *new* Westlife - Face To Face
2. *1* Robbie Williams - Intensive Care
3. *new* Rod Stewart - Thanks For The Memory

Shane's Diary From The Road (6th November)

Hey there

This is how our week’s looked…

Monday was of course the day of our album release. Looks like it’s doing really well, so a big thanks to everyone who’s bought it. We did Loose Women at lunchtime and performed ‘You Raise Me Up’ plus a new track off the album, ‘Desperado’, as well as getting a grilling from the Loose Women themselves! Then we hopped on the plane to Germany to do radio interviews in Frankfurt on Tuesday and a TV appearance in Berlin on Wednesday.

Yesterday and today are days off for us, so we’ve had some time to chill out and recharge the batteries. Tomorrow we’re off to Kent to do a performance at the beautiful Leeds Castle in Maidstone, so that should be brilliant, we’re really looking forward to that. And on Sunday we’re travelling to Hillsborough for a performance and fireworks display – another great evening I reckon!

I also want to say thanks so much from all of us for giving us our 13th number one single. We really appreciate all of your support.

Bye for now

Shane x

Source: Westlife.com

SA is the life, says Westlife about their 2nd visit this year (6th November)
Popular music group Westlife are looking forward to visiting South Africa again.
The group, who have just released a new album, Face to Face, are soon coming to South Africa for the second time this year.
Nicky Byrne, one of the four Westlife members, spoke to us out of Germany and told us how much they enjoy meeting their fans.
"When we performed in South Africa back in March for the first time in 6 years, we thought: Why did we wait so long to come here? Let's come here again as soon as possible!"
Westlife are currently busy with a promotional tour for the new album. According to Byrne they are very excited about their latest offering. "The CD was put together over 2 years and has lots of new songs on it. There's really something for everybody."
They plan on visiting quite a couple of countries before Christmas. "We're in Stuttgart now, and aside from South Africa, we'll be going to the Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands and England."
To them the thousands of kilometres they have to travel between countries is all part of the job.
"We still have loads of fun, especially when an album is received well. It's important to us to enjoy what we're doing."
While Westlife are in South Africa, they'll perform as special guests with Diana Ross at her concert next Friday (11 November) at the Bellville Velodrome.
On the new album there's also a track that the group have recorded with Ross. "We'll be singing 'When You Tell Me That You Love Me' with her. We're also planning on making a music video for it in South Africa."
This will be the second music video that Westlife shoot in South Africa.
The video for their hit, "When You're Looking Like That", was also shot in South Africa.
The concert at which they'll be performing with Ross, will benefit various welfare organisations, among them the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Unite Against Hunger.
It's always great to be involved in a project with a good cause, said Byrne. "We want to thank our fans in South Africa, and we're looking forward to getting a tan."

Source: Die Burger (Capetonian Newspaper), 3rd November

Facing off, Shane interview (1st November)
LIME (Singapore); November 2005
By Anne Ng

WESTLIFE proudly return to their pop roots this year with new disc, Face To Face, along with a distaste for everything hip-hop.

LIME: Your last album, Allow Us To Be Frank, was a jazz creation that totally deviated from your pop roots. Was that intentional?
SHANE FILAN: Yeah, we wanted to shock all the media and fans. We didn't want to come out with a pop album every year, but do something different for our fans. Some people liked the album, some didn't. But it still sold a couple of million copies. We're very happy with that kinda success.

Have you successfully steered away from the boyband stereotype?
We're always going to have the boyband tag attached to us 'cos we are boys in a band. But we don't really care. We see ourselves as a pop group. It's more important to have good music.

Is Backstreet Boys' recent comeback a threat to you?
I'm a big fan of the Backstreet Boys. Their music is fantastic and I love their first single. When they were at the top of their game, they were unbelievable and nobody in the world could touch them.

Why is your latest album titled Face To Face?
The album cover has our four faces together. That's kinda the main reason. Also, Face To Face is our first pop album since Brian left. It's one of our most important albums and it just has to succeed. We really put our heart and soul into it the past two years.

Why a cover of Josh Groban's 'You Raise Me Up' for your first single?
The song itself is a great song! It wasn't really a big hit over in our side of the world. It wasn't even released here [in UK]. That's why we did it. We hope it'll be a big hit for Westlife all over the world.

The four of you are in your 20's but it feels like you've been in showbiz forever. Does work ever get too familiar?
It does get a bit familiar but this year has been the most enjoyable. We took a four-month break to refresh ourselves, and came back feeling so excited about the whole process of recording new material for our fans. We can't wait to go on tour next year.

Hey slow down, you just became a daddy. How's your baby doing?
Oh, Nicole is great! She's 12 weeks old now and she hasn't utttered her first word. I can't wait for her to take her first step. My wife, Julia [Julia? Guess they mean Gillian ;) - webmaster edit], is looking the best she's ever looked. All the weight is gone and she looks fantastic.

She must tell us her secret to rapid post-pregnancy weight loss.
Yeah! I'll get her to call you. Haha.

Do you help to change your daughter's nappies?
Yeah, I do all that. I'm a full-time dad. Waking up in the middle of the night is the most difficult duty of all. But it's so much joy to spend time with my little daughter. She's so beautiful. I've started playing music for her lately. She likes Robbie Williams a lot! She started smiling when he came on the radio.

What's in your iPod right now?
I don't actually have an iPod. Mark's got like thousands of songs in his iPod and he made me a CD of loads of great songs. I've four CDs now - comprising of up-tempos, mid-tempos and ballads. There are some Gwen Stefani in there, Black Eyed Peas, Whitney Houston...

What do you make of hip-hop music that's dominating the music scene?
To be honest, I'm a bit sick of the whole R&B rap thing. There's a lot of it going on in the world. It's good music but I'm not as big a fan of that as I am of pop music.

At this stage, do you feel more contentment or burning ambition?
We want to sustain our success and we gotta work hard to make that happen. So far, we've been very lucky. We just try to make the best out of every year.

Face To Face is in the stores now.

Source: Lime magazine (translated by someone on thecommitted.net - thanks!)

Yule need to bet on Westlife (16th October)
Band faves for Christmas No1

Pop sensations Westlife are already beating Robbie Williams and the Crazy Frog as the bookies favourite for the Christmas number one single in Britain.

Westlife and American diva, Diana Ross, are hotly tipped to soar straight to number one with their duet of her classic, When You Tell Me That You Love Me.

The Irish chart toppers are 3/1 favourites with Bet 365 and are commanding odds of 2/1 with Blue Square.

Other British bookies such as Coral offer 5/2 that the band will hit the top.

Crazy Frog is second favourite to land the top yuletide slot with odds of up to 5/1,

Pop rival Robbie Williams is also hoping for his first Christmas chart topper with a new ballad called Advertising Space.

“I want to beat that f***ing frog!” he said.

However, the bookies have rated his a complete outside chance with 16/1 odds with Blue Square and 12/1 with Coral.

Source: Unknown

Sell me your home ..& everything in it (14th October)
Japanese tycoon bids @12m for Westlife Shane's belongings as a birthday present for his daughter.
The Mirror (London, England); 10/11/2005
Byline: EXCLUSIVE By PAUL MARTIN

A JAPANESE billionaire has offered Westlife star Shane Filan E12million for his Irish mansion - as long as he leaves all his belongings too.

The software tycoon wants to buy the house for his Westlife-mad daughter as an 18th birthday present.

He shocked the 26-year-old pope star by offering TWICE the value of the spectacular Co Sligo home and insisting that all his clothes, gold discs and even his 1960 SL Mercedes convertible are left there.

Shane - who built the mansion where he lives with wife Gillian and two-month-old daughter Nicole - revealed last night: "I don't want to go into it too much but yes, the guy offered big money.

"I couldn't believe it to be honest and thought it was a wind-up at first. I have no intentions of selling the place, it's mine and Gillian's dream home."

The tycoon is believed to have sent a letter to Shane three months ago with the huge cash offer.

Shane didn't reply but his Dublin-based solicitor received a formal offer last week stating: "I will pay whatever is necessary. I believe EUR12million is a fair price. But all Shane's possessions must remain in the home.

"My daughter is a big fan and this would be her dream present. I hope he will give this offer some serious consideration."

Sligo-based property developers value Shane's mansion, on the outskirts of the town, at around EUR6million.

The deal would have meant Shane giving up all his Westlife memorabilia, his snooker table and even his stage outfits from tours.

A source close to the singer said: "Shane and his Gillian were absolutely amazed that this guy wanted to buy their home. The man is really serious and his daughter was going to move into it and go to college in Ireland.

"The tycoon said he would come to Sligo and hand the cheque over in person so his daughter could meet Shane.

"He made his millions during the Japanese software boom in the late-80s and money is obviously no obstacle.

"Westlife are huge in Japan and it seems his daughter used to follow them around when they toured there.

"But Shane and Gillian has just had a baby and tempting as the money may be it would be so disruptive to move at this stage."

Source: Daily Mirror

Westlife's Just Dandy (9th October)
Boy band are stronger than ever after Mark's revelation that he's gay and Shane's new baby
Exclusive By John Dingwall
GAY Westlife star Mark Feehily kept his sexuality a secret from his bandmates for five years because he feared a backlash from fans.

As thousands of fans pledged their love for Mark and the group notched up 12 No.1s, the other members of the best-selling Irish boy band were finally told two years ago that hewas gay.
When the 25-year-old singer finally plucked up the courage to share his secret in 2003, he warned them it could ruin Westlife if it ever became public.
But when Mark finally decided to speak out about his love for partner Kevin McDaid just six weeks ago, the band told him they would support him all the way.
Shane Filan revealed: "Mark is in a relationship and is happy in his life. We've only known for a couple of years but the decision to go public was all his. It's his personal life so it was all down to him. But it's great that he has come out."

"In the last couple of months, he has been the happiest I've seen him and he's told me he's so happy.
"It's great he can live a normal life like every normal human being.
"It's a huge relief for him not to have to keep his sexuality secret any more.
"Speaking out is something that he has thought about for a while and he is so relieved that it's over.
"In some ways, he feels it was an anti-climax because people didn't really care that he was gay."

Kian Egan added: "The most important thing for us was to make sure that Mark was happy and to make sure that everything that happened was in his best interests.
"We didn't care if it harmed the band because it is too important to us that Mark is happy and able to sort out his personal life.

"He rolled with the punches on it. "There was a rumour that he was getting married, which was absolutely stupid and nasty. He told us what was going to happen when it hit the papers but it wasn't a big thing to us.
"He brushed that off and he is very happy now and that's what's important." The response from the fans has been absolutely amazing.
"They have been so supportive." After seven years together, Westlife will return with a new album, Face To Face, on October 31, a week after the release of new single You Raise Me Up.

The lads also plan to team up with Diana Ross on When You Tell Me That You Love Me as their Christmas single, but admit she didn't even join them in the studio.
Shane said: "It's a great song for our Christmas single. It's an amazing achievement to sing with someone of her stature.
"We recorded the song separately because she was in Los Angeles and isn't coming over until later this month."
Kian added: "That's the way any recording is done these days. Even Westlife have never been in the studio together. You're only in the studio as individuals. Things are so advanced with computers these days that Diana's recording was brought over on a hard drive. We added our vocals later."

Another absentee for the album sessions was Shane, who recorded his vocals for the album in advance of the other band members to allow him paternity leave.
He and wife Gillian had a baby girl, Nicole, two months ago.
"Because my wife was having a baby, I recorded the album earlier in the year in Sweden and London," said Shane.
"Then the boys went in recording while I was at home changing nappies. It was different but the only way to do it because I needed to be at home with the baby. "It enabled me to get the recording out of the way and being a dad is just great. The birth was fantastic but Gillian had to have a C-section because there were a few complications. She was three weeks early.
"I went through all the emotions as I wondered what was going to happen. "I was like an eight-year-old child with no sweets because I was roaring and crying and I couldn't help myself.
"It was an amazing experience and I want to experience it a few more times." Gillian and I are getting on really well and baby Nicole is a lovely little thing. "It is all flying by really quickly but the last two months have been fantastic.
"She is sleeping through the night which is fantastic and she is a really good baby. She hardly ever cries, except when she is having a bath or if I'm changing her nappy. I do my share, but if I am up early in the morning Gillian takes that on board, which is great.

"But when I have a day off, it's my duty and I'll be up during the night doing the feeds. I sing the baby to sleep or put on some music for her.
"I'll sing whatever is on the radio at the time. One night she cried for half and hour so I put on some music and sang to her. She fell asleep on my shoulder.
"It's an amazing feeling. Every dad will know it, but it's all new for me and I'm just glad she is healthy and happy. The two of them have been home for the last four days and I am finding it quite hard." "I am missing them badly." Shane believes that the band have learned from Brian McFadden's decision to quit the group last year to spend more time with his family.

Brian, who later split from wife Kerry Katona and is dating Australian singer Delta Goodrem, has hadmixed fortunes as a solo artist. Kian said"We spoke to Brian last week. Hewas in Los Angeles with Delta.We're still very good friends and very close.

"People have been unfair to Brian and that has affected his solo career.
"His music is very good and his album is quite strong.
"It's just unfortunate people disliked himand didn't buy his records because of his personal life rather than the music. "That's a really harsh situation to be in. I feel for the guy in that sense.

"Hopefully he can get his head down, write some great songs and come back and have a successful career."

Shane added: "It'll be harder to be away from Nicole but I can deal with it.
"Brian found it hard, but he just didn't really want to be in Westlife any more or with the four other people as a band.

"For me, I don't think that'll happen. The boys have been so supportive and when I want to be at home to see her, they adjust.
"We all want to behappyand we have learned from what Brian did"We're mates and treat each other like family.We respect each other and that keepsthe band together. The success at the end of it is a big bonus.

Source: Daily Record (8th October 2005)

Fan Touchy For Feehily
Irish Boy Band Westlife's Resident Gay Mark Feehily is being stalked by a crazy woman-even as far as the maternity ward.
The terrified singer, who came out only recently, said the woman stands outside his house for hours at a time.
She even tracked him down to the maternity ward where his Westlife mate Shane Filan's wife had just given birth.
Feehily, who now has police protection, said: "She reckons God speaks through her and is telling her that she should be with me."

Source: Uk News Of The World

Westlife On TV (1st October)
Westlife will be appearing on lots of different TV shows over the next few weeks. Here’s where to catch them:

Tickled Pink (ITV1) - Saturday 1st October/Sunday 2nd October
GMTV - Friday 7th October
CD:UK - Saturday 8th October
GMTV - Tuesday 11th October
TOTP Reloaded - Saturday 22nd October
Strictly Come Dancing – Saturday 22nd October
Paul O’Grady Show - Monday 24th October
MTV TRL - Tuesday 25th October
This Morning - Friday 28th October
Loose Women – Monday 31st October
TOTP Reloaded – 5th November

And from today (30th September), you can also catch the brilliant video for ‘You Raise Me Up’ on The Box, Smash Hits and The Hits.

Source: Westlife.com

Jonesing For Jacko (25th September)
Michael Jackson is currently 'recovering' from his trial ordeal in Bahrain, recruiting big stars to join him on a single to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and presumably hoping that he isn't persona non grata in the pop world any more.

Well, according to The Sun, Westlife want a piece of him. Louis walsh, who manages the croonsome Irish lads, says: "Michael Jackson is an inspiration and we are approaching him. The boys think he's great. He really inspired Shane when he was a kid - he wanted to be Michael Jackson."

So 'Westlife featuring Michael Jackson'. That'd be, um, interesting.

Source: TOTP

Westlife's Shock Collaboration Wish (25th September)
They've teamed up with Mariah Carey and their new album features the vocal skills of Diana Ross.

But the Westlife boys' latest choice of collaborator will come as a bit of a shock...

Shane, Kian, Nicky and Mark have been knocking on the door of fallen hero Michael Jackson, begging him to record a comeback with them.

Apparently the boys have always held Jacko up as one of their idols and his recent court case and the subsequent media circus hasn't dampened their adoration.

"Michael Jackson is an inspiration and we are approaching him," the band's manager Louis Walsh told The Sun.

"The boys think he's great and he really inspired Shane when he was a kid - he wanted to be Michael Jackson.

"It's the music that matters and he's an inspiration."

Source: Aol news

Jackson approached about Westlife duet (25th September)
Troubled pop superstar MICHAEL JACKSON has been asked to record a duet with Irish boyband WESTLIFE next year (06).

The THRILLER singer was acquitted of child molestation charges in June (05) and his since sought sanctuary in the Middle East with his friend PRINCE ABDULLA, the son of the King of Bahrain.

But the 47-year-old is keen to return to the spotlight and has already recruited a galaxy of stars to appear on a charity record to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The group's manager LOUIS WALSH says, "Michael Jackson is an inspiration and we are approaching him.

"The boys have sung with DIANA ROSS and MARIAH CAREY on their new album. So we thought, 'Who next?' Jackson would be great."

Source: Contactmusic

New album and single to be released soon! (25th September)
It's the news you've been waiting for: brand new material from Westlife is now literally weeks away.

This autumn sees the guys back in full swing with the release of their 18th single and seventh album in just under seven years. We are pleased to announce the following:-

Westlife's new single is called 'You Raise Me Up' and is released on 24th October. It's taken from the album Face To Face, which arrives a week later on 31st October.

This is how the single will look:-
CD1
You Raise Me Up
World of Our Own (new acoustic version)

CD2
You Raise Me Up
Flying Without Wings (new acoustic version)
My Love (new acoustic version)

Source: Westlife.com

Album and single news (19th June)
A certain fan in the Uk has met Shane a few days ago and he told her the new album is out 31st October, and the new single should be in the shops October 24th.
The single is going to be a Steve Mac ballad with Shane and Mark on lead vocals [as usual, but I don't mind hehe!] Even though they are considering possibly releasing one of the mid-tempo songs that the Swedish producers have got for them.

Thanks to Natalie for this news!

Shane's no.4 Sexiest Irish Man Of 2005 (19th June)
1. Allen Leech
2. Shay Given
3. Ray D'Arcy
4. Shane Filan
5. Mark Feehily
5. Brian O'Driscoll
6. Colin Farrell
6. Larry Mullen
6. Dermot O'Leary
7. Roy Keane
7. Craig Doyle
7. Aidan Quinn
8. Nicky Byrne
8. Liam Neeson
8. Jonathan Rhymeyers
9. Cillian Murphy
10. Keith Duffy
11. Pierce Brosnan
12. Bono
12. Stuart Townshed
13. Gabriel Byrne
14. Shane Lynch
15. Patrick Kielty
15. Brian McFadden
15. James Nesbitt
16. Adrian Dunbar
17. Michael Flatley
17. Eddie Irvine

Source: U Mag

Shane partying in Marbella (14th June)
Westlife hunk Shane Filan quite possibly has the most tolerant wife in history.
For while lovely Gillian is nearly seven months pregnant with their first child, Shane 25, is partying at some of Marbella's top clubs with bandmate Kian Egan, 25. Our spies at Sintillate's Plaza Beach Party revealed he's been living it up for nearly a week. You'd better make the most of it, Shaney...

Source: Daily Star

Shane made her day! (10th June)
As 12-year-old Charlotte Greogory turned around to find Westlife singer Shane Filan sitting beside her, mum Sandy had tears in her eyes.

The day when the youngster met her idol was extra-special becasue Charlotte was born with Down's syndrome and her mother thought she would never see this moment.

Sandy Gregory and husband Mike, from Lincoln, did not know their daughter had Down's syndrome until she was born because, at 34, Sandy had been too young to be tested.

She said: "I used to know a lad when I was a child who had Down's syndrome and my first thought was 'She's one of those thick kids.'

"But Down's syndrome children are not at all stupid."

The mother-of-four said she was initially told Charlotte would not reach the age of five and would never talk or walk. "Charlotte is nearly 15 and she can talk the hind legs off a donkey," Sandy said.

The grandmother-of-nine admitted the first year was hard as the tot was in and out of hospital.

She said: " She stopped breathing onme and all sorts, it was horrendous."

But since then, the family have not looked back. Charlotte attends a mainstream school in Lincoln and loves her time there.

Sandy said: "The school always comments on how polite she is."

From September she will spend a day a week at St Christopher's School-for shildren with moderate learning difficulties-to learn cookinf and other life skills.

She is a typical teenager and her bedroom is full of Westlife posters and memorabilia.

The youngster also loves bowling and her mother said her 15th birthday in October would definitely involve a trip to the bowling alley.

She said looking after Charlotte was a 24-hour-a-day job but she would not change it for the world.

"If I could have guaranteed that my next child would also have Down's syndrome when I was younger, then I would have had another baby.

"Charlotte is adorable and so loving."

Sandy's daughter Lynn, who is expecting her fourth child in September, has chosen not to have tests for Down's syndrome during any of her pregnancies.

Sandy's advice to other parents who give birth to a child with Down's syndeome is not to listen to people's preconceptions.

"The only thing I would have changed was other people's attitudes,"she said. "When she was very small people would look into her pram and not know what to say. It was as though they thought they were going to catch something."

She added: "People also stare. It doesn't bother Charlotte but it does upset me. "I want to say: 'Why are you staring?' She is just like any other child-she just has extra-special needs."

Her other piece of advice for parents is to treat a youngster with Down's syndrome as they would any other child.

But she says the family try to make the most of every days as they do not know how long their daughter has left.

"But then you could say that about any of your children," she said.

She added that whatever happened, one of her greatest memories would be the moment when the teenager met Shane Filan.

She said: "We didn't tell her and just sat in a big room backstage and when she turned around she was looking at him.

"Her big sister and I had tears in our eyes and, for once, Charlotte was lost for words."

Source: thisislincolnshire.co.uk

More number 1s coming up? (4th June)
WESTLIFE star SHANE FILAN reckons the band is set for another string of No1 hits with its next album.

The group is returning to their old pop anthems for the next album and Shane said: "We're so excited about this - we're going to be giving the fans the classic pop tunes they like.

"There's going to be a mixture of dance floor fillers and ballads just like when we started."

Source: The Mirror

Shane excited about the baby (30th May)
Westlife hunk SHANE FILAN is over the moon at the prospect of becoming a dad.

We're told the singer, whose stunning wife Gillian is due to give birth to their 1st child in July, was telling anyone who'd listen about their impending arrival on a recent visit to the swish new Lockonego hair salon in London's Chelsea.

An on looker remarked "Shane was saying that he's counting down the days and thought Gillian looked more beautiful than ever"

Source: The Mirror

Westlife Shane's ocean rescue (29th May) (Don't know whether this is true or not though!)
by Paul Martin

Westlife star Shane Fiilan almost drowned on holiday after being swept to sea by a freak wave. The terrified singer, 25, had to be rescued by a life-guard at Miami's South Beach after the Horrfying incident.

His pregnant wife Gillian watched in terror as he screamed for help 30ft from the Florida shore.

The millionaire star, from Sligo, said last night: 'I thought I was going to die, I'm so lucky to be alive. I was swimming in shallow water on South Beach and suddenly the sand went from below my feet. A wave came in and took me about 20ft in one go - I completely panicked when I realised how far away I was. I'm not a very strong swimmer and the more I tried to swim back the further out I seemed to be going.'

Around 20 people drown on South Beach ever year because of unpredictable currents. As the star screamed for help, horrified Gillian rushed to a nearby life-guard.

Shane added: 'I don't know much about what happened because by this stage I was so exhausted and panic-stricken that I was losing all my energy. My head kept going below the water and I was literally choking. Next minute I felt this arm around me and it was the lifeguard dragging me back to safety while he swam. I thought my life was over and as soon as we got to shore I just collapsed on the sand. Gillian rushed over crying.'

IT was the second recent near-death escape for a Westlife member. In April, Kian Egan was attacked by a lion while on safari in south africa.

Source: Irish Mirror, 28th May 2005

MUM-TO-BE FILAN GOOD (27th May)

WEST-wife Gillian Filan proudly showed off her baby bump as she hit a top fashion show with husband Shane.

The couple attended the glitzy Morgan Fashion show in London and 25-year-old Gillian looked the picture of health.

The happy parents-to-be were also in England for meetings with Westlife boss Louis Walsh about the band's new album.

But Gillian - who runs Morgan clothes stores in Sligo and Galway - showed she's as energetic as ever at six months pregnant.

Gillian, who tied the knot on December 28, 2003, in Ballintubber Abbey, said: "Shane was in town to hit the studios and I wanted to check out the new Morgan ranges so we're both busy bees."

Source: The Irish Mirror

It's Not War - Exclusive Shane's fury at Westlife feud rumours (28th April)
FURIOUS Westlife star Shane Filan has hit back at rumours the band are at war with each other.

The singer, 25, was shocked to read a number of reports that the group were on the verge of splitting after fights in their London hotel.

But in a call from his holiday in Dubai yesterday the star insisted: "We're not splitting up and there is no war.
"These stories are a load of rubbish and we don't know where they came from.
"I got the call the other day on holiday saying there were reports that we're having a huge feud and we had been fighting at the ****** hotel.
"I want to tell the fans this is absolute rubbish and we are getting on fine.
"There was no fight and we're not going to split up. We've never got on better than we do now.
"These fights were actually meant to have happened when we weren't even in the same country.
"I've been on holiday for the past 10 days and haven't seen the other lads for two weeks. But everything is 100 per cent fine between us."

Westlife have fought countless rumours that they were splitting over the past five years. They have just completed a world tour and are now planning a new album.

Shane, who is expecting a baby in August with wife Gillian, 24, added: "I think every time it gets to an end of a tour certain journalists start presuming it's the end of the band.
"They want a dramatic story to add to speculation we are splitting so they make out that we are fighting.
"None of the lads have laid a finger on each other - we have too much respect for each other to do that.
"I know the journalists who wrote these things and it's the same ones who made up stuff and were wrong in the past.
"I just wanted to take the opportunity to set the record straight."
Shane said he is now concentrating on the birth of his first child.
He revealed: "Both Gillian and I are very excited. This is everything we ever wanted."

Source: The Mirror

Kian's column in Sunday World, clearing up some rumours (28th April)
HI, KIAN HERE
WE'VE been having a real blast in foreign parts on our world tour - but don't believe all the stories you've read about us.

Just a week or two ago I heard on the grapevine from home that I was lucky to escape with my life after being chased by a lion.
It was a massive story, ehich surprised me. In fact, I'm told it make front page headlines. Can't have been much else happening that day.

Luckily, I was never in any danger from any wild animal in South Africa.
Fortunetely, I'm in constant contact with my family back home so they knew it wasn't a true story.
They say there's no such thing as bad publicity, so who's complaining!

Rumours
Neither should you believe the rumours that we're goig to call it a day after our next album.
We haven't made any such decision. That will be up to you, the fans.
Once our fans keep on proving that they enjoy what we do by buying our album and turning up for our concerts, we'll keep on going.
In fact, after doing a special album with Allow Us To Be Frank, we're looking forward to coming back with a batch of brand new songs.
We'll be taking a holiday when we get back - then we'll head into the studio to record the new CD.

Source: Sunday World (24th April 2005)

SHANE THE BUILDER; Can he be a property tycoon? YES HE CAN! (15th April)
The Mirror (London, England); 4/13/2005
Byline: Paul Martin

MOVE over Bob The Builder - Westlife star Shane Filan is to become one of Ireland's top property tycoons, I can reveal.

The star has launched a multi-million euro development company with his brother Finbar called Shafin Development.

And he's already planning a spectacular estate of homes close to his home town of Sligo to launch his empire.

It's a bold move for the pop singer, who already co-owns a group of Morgan clothes stores in Ireland.

Shane told me: "This is something I have always dreamed of doing - it's very exciting.

"I can't say too much but yes, it is true, I am moving into property development with my brother."

Sources say Shane will have a 'hands-on' role in the development - although don't expect him to swap his microphone for a shovel and cement just yet.

Shane and Finbar, who was best man at his brother's wedding in 2003 - have already secured their first development in Dromahair, Co Leitrim.

The first phase of 24 houses will be situated by a lake, 11 miles from Sligo, on the shores of Loughgill.

They have joined forces with McInerneys Construction - one of the biggest home builders in the country - and top architect Vincent Hannon.

Sources say it's Shane's latest shrewd move to become both a chart-topping pop star and big business man. "He knows what he is doing and his brother is very clued in to the property market too," said a friend of the star.

"They are very ambitious and there's no secret that property development is a very lucrative business."

Last night Shane's brother told me: "With the high prices of houses in Sligo town now people are going to be moving a bit further out and that's why we think these houses will be popular."

Source: Shrine / Irish Mirror

Shane Filan Admits.. (8th April)
Westlife star SHANE FILAN admits that the one thing he hates about touring is leaving his pregnant wife GILLIAN behind.

The Sligo singer said: "She comes most places with me but she can't be at everything because she is busy herself with work things.

"When we are apart it's terrible. I call her every hour because I miss her so much. But that's part of life in the band." The boys are in South Africa on the latest leg of their world tour.

Source: The Mirror (7th April 2005)

HOLLYOAKS' JODI GETS DREAM JOB IN CALIFORNIA (16th March 2005) (Shane and Gillian are mentioned)
FORMER Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert has landed a job in a new reality TV show, according to boyfriend Kian Egan. The Westlife star revealed Jodi is helping wannabe stars shine in the US for the Channel 4 show California Dreamin'.

Kian, 24, said: 'She sets up auditions for actors, singers and the like. Sadly, it is keeping us apart because I'll be on the other side of the world when she returns.' Kian also revealed he has already agreed to babysit for cousin Gillian and band-pal Shane Filan who are expecting a baby in August. 'When we found out Gillian was having a
baby, we were all jumping around with joy,' said Kian. 'Jodi and I have told them the first time they want a night out to give us a call and we'll look after the baby.

'Gillian trusts me with babies because we babysat my nieces and nephews.
'She's told me to give Shane lessons in how to change nappies and hold a baby correctly.' But Kian insists hisn't quite ready to start a family.
'I have had babies around me all my life and I'd love kids, but not for another six or seven years,' he said.
'Jodi and I are madly in love but we have no intention of getting married for four or five years.'

Source: Daily Record?

Shane: My baby break (14th March)
Exclusive Westlife hunk can't wait to take time off to be a dad
By John Dingwall

WESTLIFE star Shane Filan is planning to take paternity leave from the million-selling group when he becomes a dad in August. Shane is celebrating life as a dad-to-be after doctors told Gillian their baby is perfectly healthy following her scan last month. And he admitted the birth was planned to coincide with a scheduled short break for Westlife prior to the release of their next album.

Shane explained: 'It's going to be our first baby and we're delighted. I just can't wait. It's going to be brilliant. Gillian is due the first week in August.

'We had talked about having a baby and we knew we'd be off during the time frame and decided to see what happened. We got lucky and I got the news that Gillian was expecting just before Christmas. Gillian and I were viewing our new house when Gillian told me. It was a surreal moment and I couldn't believe it was real until the first scan.'

The Irish heart-throb tried to keep the baby secret and didn't even tell family members because he wanted to see the scan before he could be sure of the good news. He explained: 'It was hard over Christmas not telling anyone. I would keep the bar duties so that people didn't notice Gillian wasn't drinking.

'We didn't tell anyone, not even our parents, until the 14th week had passed and the scans had showed the baby is healthy because you can never tell.' He added: 'Gillian had night, afternoon and morning sickness. She had it the whole time, but is feeling better now. She is eating and getting mad cravings, which is funny. Thankfully, everything is fine.'

The loved-up couple have adapted their Sligo home to prepare for the new arrival. Shane added: 'We have a very large bedroom in our house which will have a little cot in it. We're really excited about it. I don't want to know the sex of the baby because it would ruin the surprise.'

Twelve months ago, Brian McFadden quit the hitmakers - who have enjoyed 13 No.1 hits - to spend more time with his wife Kerry Katona and toddler children. McFadden quickly launched a solo career and split from his wife just a few months after he dropped the bombshell on the group. But Shane assured fans he will not be the next to quit Westlife to spend time with his family. He said: 'Brian left around this time last year but he had his own issues. He was a member of the band for five years then it got to the stage where he didn't enjoy it.'

'I'm looking forward to a long happy life and lots of kids. The band life is separate from our private lives. Everyone in the band is excited about the baby and we are looking forward to the next album.'

'When September arrives, I'll be back at work. In the meantime, it's going to be great to have time off so that I can be with the baby when he or she arrives.
'We'll take Westlife year by year. We are seven years together in July and about to record our seventh album. We've surpassed the shelf life of a normal boy band and our fans have grown with us. As long as we bring out good songs our fans will be there.'

The band performed a sell-out show at Glasgow's SECC last night and return for two more dates there next week. Following the tour, they will finalise details of their follow up to the swing album Allow UsTo Be Frank.

'That was an album which turned out to be really successful,' Kian said. 'If we are together in three or four years we might do another album like that.
'But we want to get back to the pop scene recording more ballads. We've met up with Simon Cowell and he has suggested songs.

'We'll be listening to the ideas he has because he signed us before he was Mr Simon Cowell from the TV shows. He was our regular P&R man and he picked every one of our number ones. We look up to him an awful lot for what he has done for us and we trust him

Source: Daily record (11th March 2005)

Rap-star breaks law after Westlife- burst up (28th February)
They arrived at Spirit Nightclub on Abbey Street un a fleet of chauffeur-driven cars and were led upstairs with manager Lois Walsh to a special VIP area.
But as the band approached a private room a wall of security guards stopped them entering.
I (Paul Martin) stood with them as the row erupted in front of club staff and VIP guests.

One club bouncer told Westlife: "You will have to wait here, we're waiting for Snoop Dogg."
But after five minutes the band were still waiting in an overcrowded entrance hall.
Singer Nicky Byrne was pushed into a corner with his wife-The Taoiseach's daughter Georgina Ahern- as onlookers watched on in amazement.

Kian Egan was made to wait at another door and Louis Walsh was told he couldn’t enter. As tensions increased Snoop's personal security team came to the door and squared up to the Westlife party.
At that point Louis Walsh announced they were leaving and led the band outside, where shocked fans chanted their name in support.

Louis raged: "That’s no way to treat anyone whether they are a star or not. I felt bad for Gillian most of all because she is pregnant and shouldn’t have been treated like that."
"Snoop has not right to come in and take over the place like that with his security guards.

"Tonight's about Irish music-not an American rapper who couldn’t even sell out a night at the Point." One onlooker said: "The Westlife boys conducted themselves admirably because they were put in a ridiculous position. To see Irelands most successful popband being treated like that beggars belief.

As Westlifes Kian Egan left the club he told the Irish Mirror: "It was a mess in there so we're getting out. We'll not be going back there tonight."

After the Spirit row Westlife went to Lillie's Bordello where they were whisked straight to the VIP area without any hassle.
As they arrived a crowd of fans who had been waiting for hours screamed with excitement.
They partied until 4am with pop babe Samantha Mumba, American model Caprice and Busted star James Bourne.
Shane and Gillian were first to leave at 2am but Kian and Mark partied on until 4am-before returning to their hotel.

Brian: "Shane and Gillian are gonna be superparents"
Westlife's Shane Filan will make a "super dad," says former band member Brian McFadden.
Brian was speaking after Shane and wife Gillian announced the news that they're expecting their first baby.
Shane is godfather to Brian's daughter Lily-Sue and, according to the Dublin singer, takes his duties very seriously.

"I'm delighted for them both and I just know Shane will be a super dad," said Brian.
"He's very fatherly with Lily and she dotes on him, so he'll do a great job."

Brian heard the couple's good news at the recent ChildLine concert in Dublin, when he met the Westlife boys backstage.
"I was in the dressing room and asked Shane and Nicky if either of them were thinking of starting a family yet," he said.
"You should have seen the way Nicky looked at Shane!"

From: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Celebrity ER - Okej Interview (16th February) (Thansk to Jenny for typing it up)
Two of the lads in Westlife, Kian and Nicky, have already been in the doctor coats and answered your questions here in Celebrity ER, but that was quite a while ago. Now it’s time for Shane and Mark to meet the really sweaty questionings from you OKEJ-readers – but they seem to now some advices.

Can a guy notice if you’re a virgin?
Annika, Upplands Väsby
Shane: No, I don’t think so.
Mark: Not by just looking at you. Don’t worry, it’s nothing wrong being a virgin. When you meet the right guy and feel ready, it’ll be a really nice moment for you.

What are the three most important things with your dreamgirl?
Hanna, Göteborg
Shane: The three most important qualities with my wife is the personality, that she makes me laugh, and that she’s attracted to me and that she smells lovely. I mean it smells clean and fresh. It’s horrible with girls who smells like dirt and sweat and tries to hide it with a heavy perfume instead of taking care of her hygiene.
Mark: I agree that the hygiene is really important! And there has to be a spark between us...and she has to have a nice bum..ha ha

I’ve had sex with a guy who revealed that he’s gay. I’m 17 years old and he’s 20. I’m still in love with him but he doesn’t seem to like girls.
Frida, Stockholm
Shane: That’s a very awkward situation. I’m afraid I don’t think there’s much you can possibly do. You might have to find someone else – there are plenty of guys out there!

I just started high school and in my class there’s 28 boys and only two girls. The other girl has already been accepted by the rest of the class, but not me. I get a lot of comments and hassle from the guys. What should I do, I don’t want to switch school.
Terese, Linköping
Shane: Be yourself, be tough and stand up for yourself. Ask them why they’re hassling you. If it gets too hard you should talk with a teacher, principal or your parents.

Why are lads so interested in boobs?
Lilli, Norsborg
Mark: Cause we don’t have any!
Shane: It’s strange, but we guys just love seeing some cleavage, dream about cute breasts and cuddle them. And they’re also a bit private, girls don’t show them all the time. That just makes it more exciting.
Mark: But if we had boobies it wouldn’t have been as fun...

My boyfriend has been unfaithful! I saw him snogging another girl behind a pizzeria and I stormed out and gave him a split lip! After that he changed school because he started to hate me, but now I want him back. What should I do?
Janine, Göteborg
Mark: It doesn’t sound like you have a chance of having a successful relationship, seriously.
Shane: Move on. Once a cheater, always a cheater, he’s nothing to have.

A guy in my class was bullied and I didn’t have the courage to tell the bullies to stop. What should I do, I feel so sorry for him.
Greta, Luleå
Mark: Tell a teacher, but demand to be anonymous. It’s good that you’re doing it for the guy’s sake. It’s not that hard and you’ll feel good knowing that you’ve helped him.
Shane: If you don’t tell then you’ll regret it later in life.

I’m afraid to tell my friends that I’m gay. How am I supposed to do it without them thinking I’m a wuss that they don’t want to be with?
Stefan, Stockholm
Mark: If they’re real friends they’ll understand and not think different of you, or else they’re just fake. Tell someone you trust first.

When I’m at a party I always do a lot of things with the guys. Now people are starting to talk behind my back. What should I do?
Miss Kiss Kiss, Hova
Mark: Well, it’s pretty easy to start talking behind one’s back if you’re not keeping yourself to one guy. You probably should do that – and absolutely not jump in bed with different guys, it’s both dangerous and stupid. Snogging, well, that’s not that bad – but don’t go further until you meet the right one.
Shane: Unprotected sex with different partners will only lead to either you getting pregnant or get venereal diseases . It’s nothing you do “for fun”.

Dad's Life: Shane's joy, Baby Bliss

Hi Shane here,
A BIG thank you to everyone who sent Gillian and myself best wishes following the news that I'm heading for a dad's life this coming August.
I feel like a child on Christmas morning, it's just the most fantastic news in the world to me.
Gillian and myself had wanted a child as soon as we could to complete out happiness. But, of course, we didn't know when it might happen.
So, naturally, we feel blessed that out dream is going to come true. This Valentine's Day will be extra special for us.
Thankfully, life couldn't be sweeter at the moment with the tour doing so well. After the high of Belfast, where the audiences lifted the roof off the Odyssey every night, Dublin didn't disappoint this week.getting out of control.
Kian, Mark and Nicky and myself,looked at each other hardly believing that it was so good. To come back with a new tour as the Westlifr four and get that kind of support from the crowd is a real triumph. It has definitely fired us up for greater things to come.

From: Sunday World, 13th February 2005

Westlife star Shane Filan is to become a father he revealed last night (5th February)
The 25 year old singer told the Mirror his wife Gillian is 13 weeks pregnant and declared: 'Im absolutely thrilled-this is a dream come
true."

Sligo girl Gillian,also 25, discovered she was expecting just before Christmas. But the couple only told close family members two days
ago. Shane added: "This is the best news in the world for us. "We cant believe we are going to have a little baby. We are on cloud
nine."

Shane and Gillian Filan wept tears of joy when they discovered she was pregnant.

The Westlife star said: "We just burst out crying and couldnt stop hugging each other. It was one of the best moments of my life.
"We knew over Christmas but we wanted to wait until after 12 weeks to tell everyone.

"All over Christmas and New Year we had to pretend that we were on a detox diet so we had an excuse not to be drinking. I gave it up too
to make it more convincing.

"The first scan is coming up soon and we just cant wait to see it." Shane performed at Westlife's lastest sell-out show in the Odyssey
Arena, Belast, last night as Gillian watched from the wings.

The 25-year old said :"I cant believe it to be honest. The hardest part was keeping it a secret from everyone. We announced it to the
family a couple of days ago and they are delighted. I told all the Westlife boys today and they are thrilled too."

The couple, who have been married 13 months revealed the pregnancy was planned. Shane added: " I will be off the last few months of the pregnancy and able to look after Gillian so the timing is great. "Its going to be fantastic because we have just moved into our new
home in Sligo."

Shane will be the only current member of Westlife to be a dad. Brian McFadden has two daughters, Molly and Lily Sue, with estranged wife
Kerry Katona, but he quit the group last year

Source: Irish Daily Mirror, 5th February 2005

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