Westlife | New Music And Songs | Westlife About Westlife Formed in Dublin in 1998, Westlife followed in the tradition of European boy bands like Take That and Boyzone. The group performed ballads and club-worthy pop songs for a devoted European audience, becoming one of the continent's most successful bands in the process. Although they never managed to find American success, Westlife released six platinum-selling records in the U.K. and eventually sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, a feat that helped them eclipse the popularity of pop titans like Boyzone, whose lead singer had managed the band during its infancy. Vocalists Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily first performed together in another pop group, IOYOU, and experienced their first brush with success when Simon Cowell considered signing them to BMG. The group's other singers didn't make the cut, however, and a new round of auditions was launched to find more capable members. Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden were eventually added, the group was signed, and Westlife began prepping its debut album with the help of Louis Walsh, Boyzone's manager, and Boyzone member Ronan Keating.

Their debut single, "Flying Without Wings," entered the U.K. charts at number one in 1999, a feat that Westlife replicated one year later with "Seasons in the Sun" and "Swear It Again." All three songs were also released on the group's self-titled debut, which was met with similar success and went platinum in the U.K. An American release followed in early 2000 courtesy of Arista Records. Westlife never managed to make a dent in America’s pop scene, where national acts like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears reigned supreme. It was a different story in the U.K., though, where the group charted 14 number one singles and continued releasing hit albums. Both Coast to Coast and A World of Our Own went multi-platinum, and the group celebrated its success by releasing a hits compilation, Unbreakable, Vol. 1: The Greatest Hits, in 2002. Turnaround followed in 2003 and fared similarly well, but Bryan McFadden nevertheless left the lineup one later year in the hopes of launching his own career.

“Real to Me,” his first single as a solo artist, topped the charts in 2004. Westlife continued touring after McFadden’s exit and released Allow Us to Be Frank, a tribute to the Rat Pack, in late 2004. They returned to their contemporary pop formula with 2005’s Face to Face -- their biggest-selling album in three years -- and continued releasing material throughout the rest of the decade, including The Love Album, Back Home, and Where We Are. In November 2010, Westlife released Gravity, their tenth studio album. Following the release of single "Safe", the band announced they would be leaving Simon Cowell's label Syco. Citing a lack of support from Cowell following Syco's unwillingness to release a second single from Gravity, the group signed a one-album deal with RCA Records. A Greatest Hits album was then released a year after Gravity, featuring four new songs that would turn out to be band's last as they announced they were to split following a farewell tour.

Sold out in minutes, the tour was a huge success, ending on 23 June, 2012 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, in front of a crowd of over 80,000. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Boy band Westlife become foursome Boy band Westlife become foursome The group said the split was amicable Irish pop group Westlife have announced the departure of member Bryan McFadden at a press conference in Dublin. A spokesman for the group read out a statement that said: "In the tradition of all great groups - Westlife are now a four piece." McFadden said he was leaving to spend time with his family, and his split had nothing to do with the other members. "It's to do with me. It's hard to juggle two lives when you've got a family," McFadden said. "I want to concentrate on my family and being at home as much as I can," he said. McFadden, whose wife Kerry won ITV's recent game show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here, said the other members of Westlife were "my four best friends in the world".

'We love you' The group said they were "devastated" by his departure and called on the group's fans to continue supporting them. Westlife singer Kian Egan read out a letter to McFadden in front of reporters. WESTLIFE'S NUMBER ONES If I Let You Go Flying Without Wings I Have a Dream/Seasons in the Sun Fool Again Unbreakable Mandy "We have shared our dreams. We understand and respect your decision. From the bottom of our hearts we love you," he said. The four remaining members - Egan, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Mark Feehily - said they looked forward to seeing McFadden at one of their forthcoming Belfast concerts. They are also working on their new album, a collection of duets with contemporary artists. Westlife notched up 12 number one hits after first topping the chart in 1999 with Swear It Again. Their latest single - Obvious - is currently at number 10 after entering the chart at three. The McFaddens have been tipped as a TV presenting duo The group broke records by becoming the first group to achieve number ones with their first seven releases.

When they first emerged they were marketed as the new Boyzone - five good-looking single Irishmen - with Ronan Keating originally billed as their co-manager. Bryan McFadden has co-written the Irish entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, which will be performed by Chris Doran. The group insisted Westlife would continue. "At this moment we just hope the fans stay with us, we need them now more than ever," said Nicky. "We need their support and so does Bryan." Gennaro Castaldo, of music retailer HMV, said the Westlife were " talented and big enough" to overcome the loss of a member. "They have a devoted following who will continue to buy their recordings and go and see them in concert," he said.. "However, just like Robbie leaving Take That and Geri breaking from the Spice Girls marked the beginning of the end for their bands, Bryan's departure must surely signal a similar fate for Westlife." BBC News Online users sent in their opinions on McFadden's departure and Westlife's future. Oh I'm so heartbroken. Are they going to set up a helpline??? Jo, Walton on Thames, Surrey I urge all fans of Westlife to continue supporting the band.

If Westlife were to split there is no one fit enough to take their place. Nicola, Glenrothes, Fife Oh my god. I really hope that Bryan's departure won't lead to the break up of Westlife. They have got years left in them yet. I will continue to support them but Bryan it just won't be the same without you. We love you! Sam, Birmingham I'm gutted. Bryan's always been my fave despite the fact that every one of the lads has a special kind of something. I've got to know them pretty well through these five years because I run their Spanish official fan club. I can speak for a lot of fans when I say that none of us expected this so soon. Personally, I always knew Bryan would be the first to step out the band. Despite that, I know the lads share a fab friendship and it'll remain stronger than ever now. They can count on my support now and forever. Thanks for the good laughs Bryan. Alice, Barcelona, Spain The concerts will be just as good, only different to the last few years so let's support the other four and look forward to more good music.

Tania, Crewkerne, Somerset The only sad thing to come out of this is that the rest of the band decided to carry on instead of calling it a day and giving us all a break. Trev, Hinckley UK Your family always comes first and Bryan has chosen this path and that enough is enough, but Westlife will survive this loss. They will make a perfect foursome. Kathryn Barker, Warrington More to the point, do we care? Dawn, London Thank God for that! Let's hope the rest of the manufactured members of Westlife follow suit very quickly and we lose them into the bargain bin with all the other nasty talentless boy bands! Pete, London Bryan, Westlife will not be the same with out you. James Lynes, Looe, Cornwall Westlife are finally crumbling! Woohoo!! David Sztypuljak, London, England I feel sick to think of Westlife with out Bryan. I love him. He is the fittest member of the band and I will not listen to Westlife till he comes back. I love him. Kerry can manage for a while without you, I can't. I love you.

Sophia Cockerill, Chislehurst, Kent Can I have a refund on my 2004 calendar and 1/5 off the price of my tickets? I'm gutted. Stephen Payne, Devestationville Another nail in the coffin for manufactured pop. It won't be long before the rest of the lads split now. They may have had 12 number one singles but they're not even in the top 50 all time singles sales list. That tells you something about the state of the British singles charts! Kieran Stock, Chelmsford Oh I'm devastated, our Bryan was the life and soul of the band, I won't be sleeping normal tonight. I have one question... Why Bryan?? WHYYYYY?? Micky O'Donohue, Middlesbrough Only four more to go! Paul Hart, Worcester, UK It's just pathetic, Westlife will never be the same again, he should have at least for the world tour which I have bought a ticket to go an see. It's not good enough, I'm heartbroken, Crystalle Smith, Leicester, England. I have a new goldfish, its name is Ben, now that's more interesting news surely...

Rob, Solihull I suppose it would be too much to hope that the remaining four members cancel plans for their next album and split the group entirely? Simon Murphy, Amsterdam, Netherlands I'm upset, but families should come first. It's a shame he couldn't stay for the world tour, I'm still excited about it though! Sarah Ife, Leicester, England To be honest I'm glad he's leaving the group (notice I said group, not band).I don't like Westlife but he always seemed the most intelligent. From one Irishman to another... good on ya! Ben Mulligan, Ireland I'm 28 and a mother of two and we all love Westlife. I've seen them in concert four times and am due to go again in May. The news is devastating but understandable - I wish Bryan the best of luck and am glad to see him so happy. I certainly will continue to support them they are extremely talented but Bryan will be missed. Good luck to them all . Helen, Leigh, Lancashire I'm devastated. With that useless lump leaving I thought they'd split for sure.

Gavster, Paisley, UK Of course Westlife can survive with Bryan, although he is quite a character I don't think he was the backbone of Westlife. I must say it's a nice change to see a member of a band leaving on good terms which just goes to show what good friends they all are. Tuarita Lawson, Bristol, UK I haven't been able to think of anything else today! I wish Bryan good luck and also the four remaining members, but he will be missed as he such a character! With love, Anna Anna Werinius, Lerum, Sweden Good news! Let's kick out all the teeny pop bands! Kristian, Scunthorpe It will be a shame to see him go, however, I believe that he will now become a true star in his own rights - this man has a lot to offer to the entertainment world - I wish him all the luck in the world! Rose Tabersham, Esses, England Please Bryan... don't go! We love you. I do feel that Westlife will be able to carry on. I just hope that we will still see Bryan at concerts! Please Bryan come to Telewest Arena, Newcastle!

Nathalie Burgess, County Durham , England So what, I'm sure there is another throw-away manufactured band waiting to take their place. Paul, Bournemouth I believe he has made the right decision for his families' sake, but he could have waited till after the tour as lots of the nights are sold out so he could of waited and brought it up whilst on stage in front of fans than media. Laura Dunn, Amble, United Kingdom I can't believe this has made the BBC News web page! With so many other topics in the world today, I cannot even bring myself to find this refreshing. A band that has had 12 number ones, with half being covers of much better artists - I say it's no great loss, to the band or the music industry. M Jones, London They all look and sound the same (ie bland and ordinary) so who will be able to tell the difference? Good luck to him - quit at the top. Guy, Cambridge I think it's SO SAD! I hope they'll continue and be successful. But I think it'll be a big shock for all of the fans!

Diana Kristjansdottir, Selfoss, Iceland No great loss, as together with Kian and Nicky, did very little solo singing on the group's tracks and these blonde himbos are the Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy equivalents from a previously flawed boy band where only two others could obviously sing. Mark O Sullivan, St Helier, Jersey Westlife were probably reaching the end of their shelf life anyway - with some of them now married and with children, and at least one other one engaged, the Irish boy band became a man band long ago, just like Boyzone did. Catrin, Aberystwyth, Wales I think he should wait until the end of the tour before going as it is a shame for the fans - myself, two daughters and niece included who have bought tickets to see them as a five piece. Bryan is my youngest daughter's favourite member and now she won't be able to see him for a last time in concert. Sandra, Kinloss, Scotland I think Bryan is selfish and a very sad man. If his wife Kerry never won I'm a Celebrity..., Bryan would still be in Westlife.

Martin Duckhouse, Walsall, West Midlands It's bang out of order - he isn't even doing the tour! I am going on 16 April in Glasgow SECC - it won't be funny cause Bryan is the funniest. I knew he would b the first to go but I thought he would have done one more album before anyone left. Cheryl Anderson, Edinburgh, Scotland Here's 20p... call someone who cares. Maya McKee, Southampton, UK I'm devastated. I feel as though my heart has been torn out. The fabric of the cultural life of this once great nation has been irrevocably torn. Will life ever be the same again? I'm sorry, I can't go on. My tears are making the keyboard slippery... Chris, London Who the hell is bothered apart from young pop-obsessed school girls? Will Westlife continue to have success without him? For the sake of music let's hope not. Mike, Sussex, UK Of course they will continue to have success, they are very talented (not to mention gorgeous) lads and they will top the charts even without Bryan!

Louise cook, Crawley, England Westlife will continue to go strong because they are a successful boy band since Take That in the 90's. Bryan is now going to spend time with his wife and his two little girls. And this could be Bryan's chance sometime in the future to make some solo success by being a solo artist. Ann Marie Lynch, Liverpool, England If Bryan McFadden's departure leads to the break-up of Westlife then hoorah for that. Music these days either seems to be rappers sampling other peoples' work or boy/girl bands performing lame overproduced cover versions that never hold a candle to the original. Philip Branigan, Blackheath, England Westlife won't even notice that he's gone. It's not like he had anything to do with writing and producing their "music"... Didier Blanchard, Manchester I just hope he has not left with some misguided intention of having a solo career as the words "not a chance" would come to mind... he did well in Westlife due to the talents of the rest. Well, I say talents... Peter Taylor, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear I hope it is the end now! Westlife really are past their sell by date.

Now it's time for Phixx to fill the void. Lee, Staffs Everyone has so many bad things to say about Westlife - they are quick to forget the fans for whom the band have brought so much happiness. It's easy to forget with everyone's obsession with credibility in the music world that the members of Westlife are people too. Rosi Crawley, Bath Since I was about six years old Westlife have been my favourite boy band ever. They've given me inspiration and answers to life, each and every one them. The news about Bryan leaving the band is very painful because Westlife can't stay the same without a missing member, no matter who the member is. Maya, Lebanon, Beirut Westlife: Where are they now? From Mark Feehily's catering van to Shane Filan's bankruptcy - Mirror Online Celebs Westlife: Where are they now? From Mark Feehily's catering van to Shane Filan's bankruptcy The five Irish heartthrobs were once the biggest boy band in the world - but what do they get up to now it's all over? Share Westlife: Where are they now? (Photo: Getty) Share Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Back in the late 90s and early 00s, Westlife were one of the biggest bands in the world. Selling over 50 million records worldwide, and scoring a massive 14 number one singles in the UK, t he five Irish heartthrobs were riding high on their incredible success. The group originally started as a five piece before Bryan McFadden made the decision to leave the band in 2004 to spend more time of his family and work on solo projects. Westlife continued without Bryan for a further eight years, but decided to call it quits in 2012, after releasing a statement which revealed they all wanted a break and the chance to look at new ventures. But what exactly has everyone been up to since that final farewell tour? Shane Filan Shane has had some difficult times since Westlife split (Photo: Getty) Shane has had plenty of ups and downs since leaving Westlife three years ago. The singer revealed that his company owed banks £18million - a gigantic sum of money that was impossible to pay back.

Back on track with a new album Since then, life is looking up for Shane, after the band's original manager Louis Walsh landed the 35-year-old with a record deal which meant he could go it alone as a solo artist with a new album and a sell-out tour. He's also released his autobiography My Side of Life which is a revealing look into his "white-knuckle, roller coaster ride" of a life. Mark Feehily Mark Feehily is in the catering biz (Photo: Getty) Mark Feehily was Westlife's lead singer, along with fellow bandmate Shane Filan, but since the group disbanded, he has fallen below the radar. Splitting from his fiance Kevin McDaid in 2012, the 34-year-old piled on the pounds, and announced he was entering a French detox and weightloss camp in 2014. Now, Mark has started his own catering business which sees him serving food and hot drinks from the back of a van as he travels to festivals and events around the UK and Ireland.

Video Loading Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Watch Next But while many fans are shocked that the singer is getting his hands dirty in the catering biz, fear not, because Mark has now announced plans for his solo career. His new album will debut a "darker, more soulful, electronic sound" and is scheduled for release later this year. Kian Egan Kian Egan got your vote in the jungle (Photo: Rex Features) Kian Egan has arguably had the most success since the band split back in 2012. The father of two, who married former girlband member Jodie Albert in 2008, recaptured the hearts of the nation when he was voted King of the Jungle in ITV's I'm a Celebrity 2013 series. Beating Princess Diana's fashion designer David Emanuel and Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter, the singer emerged triumphant from a three-week stint in the Aussie bush, ready to launch the next stage of his career. Now Kian is helping other hopeful musicians Since then, Kian has bagged the role of coach and mentor on the Irish version of popular talent show The Voice.

The 35-year-old works alongside fellow judges Bressie, The Saturdays star Una Foden and S Club 7 member Rachel Stevens. Nicky Byrne Nicky has left singing behind (Photo: WIREIMAGE) Nicky Byrne has left his singing career behind him since Westlife split. In 2012, Nicky hosted the Irish TV channel RTE's reality show Football's Next Star which followed ten hopefuls competing for a chance to win a place in Celtic Football Club's youth squad. After a briefs stint on Strictly the singer is now better known for his presenting (Photo: WENN) Since then, the former singer has bagged himself a weekday show in Irish radio station 2fm. In January 2015, Nicky extended his CV even further when he was chosen to host the new weekly National Lottery game show in Ireland, The Million Euro Challenge. Bryan McFadden Bryan left the group in 2004 Bryan has been flying solo since 2004 when he made the decision to quit the band to focus on a solo career. T he singer had moderate success after leaving Westlife, and released his latest album The Irish Connection in 2012.

Bryan is another band member who has turned his talents to TV presenting after landing the role as a judge on Australia's Got Talent in 2010. After a moderately successful solo career, Bryan is also a TV presenter (Photo: Mirrorpix) In September 2014, ITV offered Bryan a 30 show series called Who's Doing the Dishes which is usually aired in the late afternoon. This year, the singer has joined celebrity talent show Get Your Act Together which sees showbiz stars work with legendary magicians Penn and Teller to improve their magic skills. poll loading Westlife Discography at Discogs Westlife Profile: Irish all male band, originally called "Westside" and having 6 members. Three of those were replaced by Nick Byrne & Brian McFadden when Boyzone 's manager Louis Walsh took them under his wings. Shortly afterwards Boyzone member Ronan Keating became their co-manager. From their very first single released in 1999 on Westlife had immense success wherever they came. Nonetheless Brian McFadden left the band in 2004 for family reasons. Since then the remaining four members have continued the band without him.

Sites: Westlife - For The Last Time - YouTube Westlife - For The Last Time Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Dec 27, 2011 Westlife is an Irish pop group formed in July 3, 1998, its members were originally Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Brian McFadden, the latter left the band in 2004. The band originally signed to Simon Cowell and are advised by music mogul Louis Walsh. Category Westlife : Nicky Byrne youtube WESTLIFE // THE BAND Nicky Byrne joined Westlife in 1998. Managed by Louis Walsh and signed by Simon Cowell to BMG, Westlife were hugely successful right from the beginning.

The band’s five members Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Brian McFadden and Nicky Byrne, all hailed from Sligo and Dublin respectively. They burst onto the music scene in 1998 with their single ‘Swear it Again’, remaining in the charts for 13 weeks. Westlife’s next 7 releases shot straight to number one, making them one of the biggest boybands in the world. Brian McFadden left Westlife in 2004, but this in no way slowed the band down. The release of ‘You Raise Me Up’ in 2005 catapulted them into even more success. Both the single and its album went straight to number 1, the first time ever the band had both a single and album at number one at the same time. Throughout their 14 year career, Westlife have had 12 worldwide tours and also have recorded duets with the likes of Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Delta Goodrem, to name just a few. They have sold over 40 million records worldwide; have had 14 number ones singles and 7 number one albums.

They follow closely behind that of The Beatles and Elvis Presley for the most UK number one singles. After spending most of their adult life together Westlife called time in 2012 on their hugely successful career. The played their final and emotional ‘Farewell’ tour to crowds all over the world. Their final concert was fittingly played to a packed crowd in Dublin’s Croke Park stadium. It was also streamed live in cinemas to many countries all over the world. Westlife on Apple Music To preview a song, mouse over the title and click Play. Open iTunes to buy and download music. Biography Formed in Dublin in 1998, Westlife followed in the tradition of European boy bands like Take That and Boyzone. The group performed ballads and club-worthy pop songs for a devoted European audience, becoming one of the continent's most successful bands in the process. Although they never managed to find American success, Westlife released six platinum-selling records in the U.K. and eventually sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, a feat that helped them eclipse the popularity of pop titans like Boyzone, whose lead singer had managed the band during its infancy.

Vocalists Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily first performed together in another pop group, IOYOU, and experienced their first brush with success when Simon Cowell considered signing them to BMG. The group's other singers didn't make the cut, however, and a new round of auditions was launched to find more capable members. Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden were eventually added, the group was signed, and Westlife began prepping its debut album with the help of Louis Walsh, Boyzone's manager, and Boyzone member Ronan Keating. Their debut single, "Flying Without Wings," entered the U.K. charts at number one in 1999, a feat that Westlife replicated one year later with "Seasons in the Sun" and "Swear It Again." All three songs were also released on the group's self-titled debut, which was met with similar success and went platinum in the U.K. An American release followed in early 2000 courtesy of Arista Records. Westlife never managed to make a dent in America’s pop scene, where national acts like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears reigned supreme.

It was a different story in the U.K., though, where the group charted 14 number one singles and continued releasing hit albums. Both Coast to Coast and A World of Our Own went multi-platinum, and the group celebrated its success by releasing a hits compilation, Unbreakable, Vol. 1: The Greatest Hits, in 2002. Turnaround followed in 2003 and fared similarly well, but Bryan McFadden nevertheless left the lineup one later year in the hopes of launching his own career. “Real to Me,” his first single as a solo artist, topped the charts in 2004. Westlife continued touring after McFadden’s exit and released Allow Us to Be Frank, a tribute to the Rat Pack, in late 2004. They returned to their contemporary pop formula with 2005’s Face to Face -- their biggest-selling album in three years -- and continued releasing material throughout the rest of the decade, including The Love Album, Back Home, and Where We Are. In November 2010, Westlife released Gravity, their tenth studio album.

Following the release of single "Safe", the band announced they would be leaving Simon Cowell's label Syco. Citing a lack of support from Cowell following Syco's unwillingness to release a second single from Gravity, the group signed a one-album deal with RCA Records. A Greatest Hits album was then released a year after Gravity, featuring four new songs that would turn out to be the band's last as they announced they were to split following a farewell tour. Sold out in minutes, the tour was a huge success, ending on 23 June, 2012 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, in front of a crowd of over 80,000. ~ Andrew Leahey Brian McFadden insists he is happy he walked away from Westlife | Daily Mail Online comments With his full beard and sombre expression, Brian McFadden presents a very different persona to the fresh-faced Dubliner who was still shedding his puppy fat when we first met at the start of his career with Westlife 15 years ago. At 18, he was about to embark on a journey that would take him from flipping burgers in McDonald’s to joining what was to become one of the biggest ever boy bands.

And then . . . he threw it all away. Six years into his career, with a one-time pop star wife — Kerry Katona of Atomic Kitten — and two toddler daughters, he thought he could make it on his own. So he quit the band. All grown up: Brian McFadden, with his wife Vogue Williams, is happier now and has no regrets about leaving Westlife ‘My last headline show was with Westlife in front of 35,000 people at Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin,’ he recalls. ‘The next time I played my own gig was at a workers’ club in Australia where two fat old ladies were playing a slot machine while I was singing.’ Nine years since he left the band, McFadden still won’t say he made a mistake. ‘I’d never admit to myself that I regretted leaving, but four years later when my UK record label didn’t want to put out my second solo album, it made me think maybe I should have just stayed in the band. But then I’d just have been staying for the money and I never did this for the money. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share ‘I probably had financial regrets.

We didn’t even know what we used to earn in Westlife. The accountants just kept adding up. I’m glad I’m not that millionaire any more. This way, you work harder and enjoy it more. ‘The pleasure I have had since leaving keeps me alive, though it’s been a rollercoaster. One minute I’ll have a number one single, then I’ll have a single that doesn’t even make the Top 40, then I’ll think I’m finished and then I come back a couple of years later. In Westlife, we went through a stage where we thought we were invincible. We didn’t realise how lucky we were.’ Singing passion: Brian McFadden performing on Loose Women last week The rest of the band split up last June after two 82,300 capacity concerts in Croke Park, Dublin, having notched up record sales of more than 44 million. McFadden’s solo career got off to the best possible start when his single Real To Me went straight to number one in 2004. ‘I was thinking, OK, for the rest of my life it’ll just be the same as Westlife has been for the last six years.

And then you realise how quickly that can all change.’ His second single Irish Son reached number six, but the album of the same name failed to make the top 20. By this time his marriage to Katona — who won I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here in 2004 — had ended. McFadden felt he needed a change and headed for Australia. ‘No one knew who I was because Westlife had never been successful there. I could walk the streets, go into a pub, go shopping, just be normal again. I liked the idea of starting from scratch.’ He’d earned a reputation as the bad boy of Westlife. I remember being with the band — the other members were Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan — on tour in Singapore. I accompanied Mark Feehily to the official Manchester United shop out there where he bought his brother a football shirt. Later McFadden showed off his own purchase: a £1,800 camera with telescopic lenses. ‘My dad has that now,’ he says a bit sheepishly. Since then he’s been through a few Ferraris too.

‘I left because I didn’t have a life,’ he says. ‘We’d achieved things we could never have dreamed of but we never had one second to enjoy it. It was like going out with the most beautiful girl in the world and never being able to sleep with her.’ Couldn’t he have aired his grievances with the rest of the band and manager Louis Walsh? ‘We could never discuss those things. The problem with having five people in the band is that each of us would go through a period where we felt a bit jaded and needed time off. But when one person wants to do it, the other four don’t. ‘When I announced I was leaving it was put on the table: do we all break up or does just Brian go? They thought it was too early to break up. I realise I could have been responsible for that happening but I’m glad for everybody they had another seven years of fantastic success.’ Back in the days: 'We didn't realise how lucky we were,' says Brian about his time in Westlife Family life also was proving a burden.

We have become familiar with Katona and her unsuitable partners, bipolar disorder and dysfunctional childhood — all of it bared on reality TV shows — and McFadden was clearly no angel. He made regrettable comments about his ex-wife, notably a tweet in 2010, which he quickly withdrew, calling her ‘a pig-faced mole’ when she said he wasn’t a good father. But at the time of the break-up, it’s clear now, he lacked the emotional maturity to cope with her multiple issues. ‘I’m better off saying nothing. No matter what anybody else ever says about me or about my relationship with my kids, I will never speak about it because my kids, Molly and Lilly-Sue, are smarter than me now — they are 11 and ten and read things on Google. I have no regrets about my marriage [to Katona]. If I was to change anything I wouldn’t have them and I wouldn’t be here today, the happiest I have ever been in my life.’ He has been flying back and forth up to five times a year from Australia to see his daughters at his parents’ home in Ireland.

In early 2005 McFadden recorded the duet Almost Here with Australian pop star Delta Goodrem. The single reached the top three in the UK and number one in Australia, where he settled for eight years. Good decision: Bryan, pictured with the band during the press conference when he announced his departure, went from headlining in front of thousands to gigging in pubs They seemed an unlikely pairing: saintly Goodrem, who survived cancer and went from acting in Neighbours to being one of Australia’s biggest singing stars, and party-loving McFadden. They announced their engagement in 2007 — and split in 2011. Goodrem later said she’d wished she’d walked away earlier as they were ‘two very different people’. ‘She’s one of the most private people I’ve ever met and I would never speak about that relationship because I respect her privacy,’ says McFadden. ‘She is a lovely person. It just fizzled out.’ By the time he had a number one in Australia in 2010 with Just Say So, McFadden was making his name on TV, culminating in a three-season stint with Dannii Minogue on Australia’s Got Talent which ended last summer.

His TV earnings helped fill the gap of an erratic music career and he is a businessman too, with a share in a Sydney recording studio. In the early days of Westlife he built his dream home complete with pub, snooker room and golf course, but had to sell it in the divorce settlement. Love lost: Bryan with ex-wife Kerry, mother of his two children, in 2003, before the marriage broke down He’s also sold his houses in South-West London and Los Angeles and has been living in a modest rented apartment in Sydney. He still has an apartment in London close to the Olympic Village, bought years ago, where he now intends to base himself to relaunch his career in the UK. This time it’s as a more serious musician playing the sort of rock, and some pop, he’s always loved — hence the name of the new album, The Irish Connection, though he admits that’s to reacquaint us as he tours in support of Ronan Keating before a self-written studio album due in September. He says he’s only matured in the last few years.

‘I look back at some of the things I did between the ages of 18 and 24 and think, “God, you were immature and stupid. You didn’t appreciate what you were having in Westlife.”’ A month after he and Goodrem split, he met Irish model and DJ Vogue Williams, 26. They married in Florence last September. ‘When most people look back over their life at 32 they are probably talking about a lot more exes than three — than two, sorry — this one’s not gone yet! ‘We were born in the same hospital and grew up five minutes from each other. We instantly clicked.’ Vogue seems to have tamed him. One of the first things she did was sack his maid. ‘She said, “I’ll do it. I think it’s a disgrace spending that kind of money to wash your clothes”. She did it for about three weeks and then she started handing it back to me saying, “Can you wash your own clothes now?”’ After some colours ran disastrously he’s been relegated to vacuuming. Their plan is to start a family in the next three years when their careers are more settled. McFadden is realistic about the need to start again.

‘I used to be in a band and now I’m a solo artist, that’s it. I was never anything special other than a very lucky guy with four other very lucky guys. ‘My advice to One Direction, if they want it, is don’t ever forget that you are very lucky. Don’t ever think that you are anything special.’ Brian McFadden’s album The Irish Connection is out on March 3.

Question: In 2004, who left the band Westlife?
Answer: Brian McFadden