Westlife to split up after 14 years of making hits

Chart-topping act Westlife are to split “amicably” after 14 years and 26 Top 10 hits.

The Irish group will bow out following a farewell tour next year and said they are looking forward to “new ventures”.

Over the course of their career the group has achieved 14 number one hits.

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In a statement the group said last night: “Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family.”

The group – for many years managed by Louis Walsh – survived the departure of one of its founding members, Bryan McFadden, and continue seamlessly as a four-piece.

Singer Mark Feehily also won admiration for announcing he was gay when the boy band were at the peak of their success.

They produced hit after hit, with singles such as Swear it Again and Flying Without Wings among their number ones. Members Feehily, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne are to release a greatest hits album shortly.

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In a statement, they added: “The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures.

“We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans.”

It continued: “We would like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too.”