by Claire O'Boyle, Daily Mirror 26/03/2011

After 12 years, Westlife are still one of the biggest boy bands around but as they're settling down and having kids you'd be forgiven for thinking it could all be coming to an end. Not if their fans have anything to do with it though...



On being heart throbs in their 30s and playing for crazy fans...

One of the most successful boy bands ever, Irish heartthrobs Westlife have been around for years.

They've had a drama or two along the way not to mention their fill of snotty critics but none of that matters with legions of die-hard fans.

With a cool 44million album sales and in the middle of their 11th tour across the UK and Ireland, the boys Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan know who they're trying to please, and it certainly ain't their critics.

The fans are fantastic, grins Shane, 31. The banter we have with them from the stage is one of the best things about touring. Most have grown up with us, so you expect them to calm down as they get older.

But the older they get, the madder they are.

And it seems the fans don't care too much about the boys
wholesome image. Some of the banners we can see from the stage are hilarious, laughs Nicky, 32. You name it, they write it, and when you think it could be some woman in her 50s holding it up, it's so funny.

We even had the very subtle Ride me Shane!. They're hilarious. I picked the girl out of the crowd and said to her You don't f*** about do you sweetheart?
Brilliant.

With so many millions of women convinced the lads are dreamboats, do their own other halves swoon every time they see them?

Hardly! laughs Nicky, who is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of the former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

She sees me first thing in the morning and last thing at night, warts and all. The whole swooning thing would end very quickly if people saw what I'm really like!

On temptation on tour and staying out of trouble...

With each of the guys in a solid relationship Nicky with wife Georgina, Shane with wife Gillian, Kian with actress wife Jodi Albert and Mark engaged to partner Kevin McDaid how do they manage to keep themselves on the straight and narrow when they're off working for weeks at a time?

Well for a start, our other halves are on tour with us a lot of the time! laughs Mark, 30. That takes away some of the temptation! But even without that, you just got to trust each other.

Unfortunately people falter from time to time, but that's life. Even if someone goes off to work in the morning and comes back at 6pm, you still don't know for sure.

After the spate of stars caught out cheating last year including fellow boy band stars Ronan Keating and Mark Owen do the lads feel more on their guard?

Life's hard enough without constantly worrying about keeping out of trouble, says Nicky. I think if you really love your other half you be alright and you do your best. But these things are just human error too.

On feeling homesick and balancing fame with family life...

As much as the guys love life on the road and their sell-out arena gigs, they admit being away from home for weeks on end can be tough.



When you're starting out in a band, the tour part is what you dream of, says Kian, 30. it's always been one of the best bits. But after a while it's hard getting up every morning when you're not in your own bed.

You want to be able to make your own cup of tea and a slice of toast, but you're in a hotel, living out of a suitcase. People think it's all glitz but sometimes you want to be at home!

Dad-of-three Shane agrees. In fact, he's managed to arrange work (and a private plane) so he can fly home a couple of days a week to see his family.

Touring the UK is totally do-able now with the family, he says. Around the world over the years has been more difficult, but now I get home for a night here and there in the week.

For now, Nicky's managing because his three-year-old twin boys Rocco and Jay can still join him on tour. This will probably be the last time before they start big school, he says. It's amazing having them there, and last year they came up on stage. But being a dad has given me a different outlook we're not kids anymore. You know it's not just a laugh, you got a proper goal and your family's on your mind the whole time.

On fatherhood and following in Elton John's footsteps...

With two of his bandmates already doting dads, Mark, who came out in the Daily Mirror in 2005, says he would love to become a father one day.

Becoming a father is one of the biggest things you could ever do, he says. I love to think I'll be in a place one day to have a kid, 100%. I;m not saying I'm planning to have kids right now, but they'll definitely be part of my life.

It's always something I've been sure of since I was 14 or 15. Even knowing I was gay and before I came out I knew I love to be a father. You know the way you think things like When I have a kid, I'll tell them this, or take them there, or whatever.

And after Elton John and David Furnish had their son Zachary with a surrogate mother last year, has Mark given any thought to how he like to do it?

I would take some serious time to look into all the options, he says. Everybody's got their own circumstances, so there's no simple answer about what's going to be right for you or the kid.

I like to think I'd be a good dad. It's the dream for me that surpasses everything else, to nurture and bring up a kid and try and teach them all the right things.

But before all that, Mark and fiance Kevin have to tie the knot. We're not one of those wham bam couples that need to rush into everything, says Mark. We're best friends and we live together and we're going to get married soon. I can't wait but we haven't finalised the date.

On controversial old friends, and what's to become of Westlife...

For years the biggest boy band around, Westlife were scuppered a bit by Take That's phenomenal comeback, and then again by their reunion with Robbie Williams last year.

But would Westlife think about welcoming old bandmate Brian McFadden back into the fold?

I don't see Brian ever coming back, says Kian. He left because he was unhappy, so why would he come back? He didn't like what we do.

To be honest, our relationship is much better now he's away from Westlife. He's just difficult at times. He might decide one day to not turn up at the studio or not come to a meeting and it was hard. Brian's not a bad person, there's not a bad bone in his body, but he's hard work.

Some of the others are a little more forgiving. Whatever happened it wouldn't have the same impact as Take That and Robbie anyway, says Nicky. We didn't have a huge fall out like they did, Brian didn't go off the rails, into rehab, and become the biggest pop star on the planet. We didn't break up for years before the biggest comeback in history.

But I love to get Brian back in the studio. The other lads will probably kill me for saying it, but I genuinely believe it's an option down the line.

We had an amazing 12 years, and if you told me 10 years ago we still be doing tours and selling out arenas I wouldn't have believed you. We have to thank our lucky stars but I don't think we'll be around in another 12 if I'm honest. Not at this pace anyway.

CHERYL Cole had to apologise to Westlife Mark Feehily after insulting his band in a row with their manager Louis Walsh.



On Saturday Cheryl urged band JLS not to become like Westlife not knowing Mark was in the studio watching.

Louis, 56, shot back: Westlife have had more hits than you.

A source said: Louis took Mark to Cheryl dressing room and made her apologise. She was embarrassed and looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her.

Nicky's Surprise birthday gift to dad
05 Jan 2009 by Villy


Westlife star Nicky Byrne managed to reduce his dad to tears at the weekend, when he surprised him with a Harley Davidson motorbike.

The popstar and his family threw a huge bash to celebrate dad Nicky Snrs 60th birthday in the Regency Hotel in Dublins Whitehall on Saturday night.

More than 200 friends and family were there to see Nicky blindfold his dad before revealing the extravagant gift. Bike lover Nicky Snr a well known musician and singer on the cabaret scene dissolved into tears of joy at the sight of the dream bike.

"This is the ultimate motorbike for anyone that knows their bikes" said a source "It was the last thing he expected."

Nicky's dad was also thrilled by live performances by stars such as Sonny Knowels and Aslan at the belated bash.

He actually turned 60 at the beginning of December but Nicky and wife Georgina were away at the time so they held it at the weekend instead.

The bowled over dad was surrounded by other family including wife Yvonne, daughter Gillian and younger son Adam.

Source: Irish Star

Thursday October 08 2009

She boasts a bulging designer wardrobe most fashionistas would kill for, but not even red-carpet regular Georgina Ahern knew what to wear to the biggest VIP bash of the year.

The Dublin mum-of-two has revealed her famous hubbie Nicky Byrne came to her rescue when she faced the inevitable crisis of choosing the perfect ensemble for Simon Cowell's A-list birthday party.

The Westlife crooner narrowly saved his wife of six years from experiencing a Cinderella-like fashion disaster by hitting the shops to buy her a dress just two hours before the bash kicked off.

Gorgeous Georgina wowed onlookers at the X Factor judge's star-studded 50th birthday party by stepping out in a jewel-embellished silver dress, which was a last-minute present from Nicky.

A friend of the couple, who are parents to two-year-old twins Rocco and Jay, told the Herald: "Nicky picked it up for her in a boutique in London about two hours before the party."

The short-sleeved designer frock is certain to have set the chart-topping star back a few bob, given that world-famous glamazons Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cheryl Cole were just some of the other couture lovers contending for the unofficial title of best-dressed guest at the lavish event.

Georgina kept her long hair and diamond accessories simple and understated to let the glitzy frock stand out.

Westlife manager Louis Walsh claimed the group "stole the show" after performing at the party.

But it wasn't all work as the friend revealed the band, who were all accompanied by their wives and partners, had a great time.

"They had a really great time and Westlife performed two songs at the party," she added.

Georgina, who has not yet returned from Britain since last Saturday's party, is believed to have had a different ensemble ready for the event, but it seems she couldn't resist wearing the unexpected eye-catching gift from her husband.

The friend hinted it's not the first time Nicky has bagged his wife some crowd-pleasing clobber, so perhaps he deserves the credit for her fashionista status.

"He has good taste; he always has," the friend added.

Meanwhile, Georgina and Nicky are still recovering from the party by enjoying some downtime in Britain.

The friend said: "They are still over there because Westlife are doing a few bits and pieces in the studio."

29th October 2009

Westlife are hoping to catch the World Cup while touring


WESTLIFE are aiming to combine their love of football with touring next summer.



The Irish heart-throbs hope a visit to the World Cup will be on the cards during their six-month road trip.


We will tour more next year and go places we haven't been much like South Africa said Shane Filan, 30.


That way we can cheer on Ireland at the World Cup.


But that's only if the Irish beat France to qualify.



Kian Egan, 29, added: We play better against good teams so I'm sure we get through.

Westlife Debut Music Video for Single 'Safe'
November 2010

While Kian Egan comes to Mark Feehily's rescue, Shane Fillan and Nicky Byrne save women from getting beaten and committing suicide.

Westlife save people in a music video. Shane Fillan stands up for a woman when her boyfriend is about to lay a hand on her, Nicky Byrne prevents another female from jumping off the rooftop, and Kian Egan helps Mark Feehily in a car accident.

"There's a bit of acting for us to be doing and we're getting involved in all different scenes," Shane said in an interview with OK! Magazine. "We're kind of flipping the word safe and making it 'unsafe' - trying to stop people from being 'unsafe.' We're the heroes - although we don't have cloaks (laughs). It's real life stories put into a video."

All the scenes in the "Safe" music video, including the car accident, were done without any stuntman. "It was the most fun we have had shooting a video," Mark shared to the Daily Star. "We wanted to do the stunts ourselves and management let us."

The song is taken from the boyband's new album "Gravity" which is due November 23 in the United States.

Kian Egan - Kian Egan And Jodi Albert Want Baby Daughter
20 March 2012 11:00:11 AM


Kian Egan And Jodi Albert Want Baby Daughter


Kian Egan and Jodi Albert want a little girl to complete their family following the birth of son Koa in December.



The Westlife singer and the former 'Hollyoaks' actress are closer than ever following the birth of their son Koa in December and would love to give him a sister in the future.

Kian said: ''A little girl would melt my heart now but every man likes the idea of having a little boy. I'm looking forward to taking him surfing, golfing - he's going to be an outdoorsy little dude. But we do want a little girl, hopefully next time.

''I think no matter how many boys we have, we'll keep going until we have a girl too!''

Jodi added to OK! magazine: ''Kian has said he wants four children but I don't know about that. If he's putting the pressure of four on me, I'm going to put the pressure of a girl on him. I've got my little boy. I want girl next but not any time soon.''

Kian also revealed Westlife manager Louis Walsh - who doesn't have any kids of his own - has surprised him by his interest in the baby.

He said: ''Louis hasn't seen the baby yet but he does continuously ask about him, which is so sweet. Louis doesn't strike you as the type of person to talk about children much, yet he's asking loads about Koa. Maybe he's getting soft in his old age.''

Kian is preparing for Westlife's final tour and admitted he and Jodi are looking forward to taking some time off to travel the world with Koa.

He said: ''Jodi and I would like to get back to the sunshine and spend some time travelling and living a lifestyle that we haven't lived in a few years. We'd love Koa to see the world, having a baby really puts things into perspective.''

LUXURY Kian and Jodi?s Sligo home is designed around surfing themes

THIS is the beautiful new seaside pad of Voice of Ireland judge Kian Egan. The Westlife star's luxurious bungalow in surfing town, Strandhill, Co. Sligo boasts stunning views of the surrounding sea and mountains. It is located in a scenic spot at the foot of Knocknarea Mountain, yet can be clearly seen from the main road.
Kian (31) who previously owned a modest dwelling in the same area, recently moved into this spectacular house with his beautiful wife Jodi Albert (28) and their three-month old baby boy, Koa. The five-bedroom love-nest is modest in size compared to band mate Shane Filan's ?1.5m two-story country mansion nearby in Carraroe.


Despite their massive wealth, Kian and Jodi, who wed in Barbados in 2009 and also have a property in London, decided to opt for a singlestorey residence that blends in with the local landscape. Kian, who is currently battling it out on The Voice Of Ireland, revealed recently that his new dream home took four years for the couple to design, and they are delighted to have finally moved in.
"It's a big house with lots of small rooms," Jodi explains. "I'm not from a wealthy background, so I didn't want the rooms to be too big."
The home's décor reflects Kian's love of surfing. It is open-plan, with lots of imported Indonesian furniture, while huge windows provide plenty of light. Friends say they wanted to create a laid-back, chillout zone to unwind in. The impressive kitchen was custom-made and features Asian fretwork doors with distressed antique mirrors. Kian said that becoming parents had brought the happy couple closer
together.
"We've never argued much, but the things we used to argue about before are out the window now. We have a good routine going on and we're just so much in love."
Doting mum Jodi said: "When you have a baby it goes to a whole new level. I didn't think I could love Kian any more, but I do.."
The couple named their son, Koa, after the Hawaiian Koa Tree. "Some of the best surfboards are made from its wood, so when Koa was born it just suited him and our little vibe as a family" says Kian.
"Koa means bold, brave and fearless. Koa's a chilled out little dude, we're very lucky," said Jodi.
But Kian also reveals that there is an element of sadness after the group he co-managed with Louis Walsh,Wonderland, which featured Jodi, was disbanded after it flopped. "My heart was broken at the end of Wonderland," he admits.
"I gave my heart and soul to that band and put in a huge amount of my own finances, time and effort. It became quite thankless in the end."
Conor McTernan

Nicky Say's.


I never thought that west life play two nights at Lansdowne road to 80,000 people.
My favourite west life moment was meeting the pope and our dads performing on our T.V show she's the one.
The other's would say that I'm the longest in the shower.
My favourite west life track is world of our own.
My favourite west life video is world of our own
When I m not working I like to spend time with my wife and walk our little pups
My motto is smile, enjoy life, live every day like its your last.
I would describe myself as thoughtful, reliable and trustworthy.
The phase I often use is Le Gra( With Love in Irish).

 

Nicky Byrne insists Mary Byrne is NOT his aunt



Nicky Byrne set the cat among the pigeons earlier this month, when he claimed on Twitter that X Factor finalist Mary Byrne was actually his aunt.

The Westlife singer tried to retract the joke soon after but has admitted that many fans, followers and journalists swallowed the story hook, line and sinker.

He told BANG Showbiz: I was watching X Factor
the first live show I think and I was tweeting.
I just put something like Good luck to my auntie Mary, she's my favourite auntie,%u2019 in a p**stake, sarcastic kind of way.



I did see a lot of feedback coming back, not your average person who replies but I was getting journalists coming back to me going No way, is this true?
So I was looking at all of this going Oh f**k, this isn't good, I better fix it!

His manager and Mary's X Factor mentor Louis Walsh was dragged into the furore, when journalists started interrogating him about the story.

He said: I actually tweeted no just for the record she's not my auntie,
but that didn't seem to do the job.
Then Louis called me the next day to ask what was going on. He actually forwarded me a text from a journalist saying
If this is true and you haven't told us before Louis, we need to f**king know about it.

Needless to say Nicky and Mary are NOT related as far as he knows
but he isn't ruling the possibility out altogether.

He said: She f**king could be if you look back down the bloodline, she's from Dublin, she's from Ballyfermot, my dad's from Cabra, which is not far away.

 

Mark Feehily's Jet Ski Drama


Irish singer Mark Feehily was once stranded in the middle of a lake for two terrifying hours after his jet ski malfunctioned.

The Westlife star often takes to the water for fun trips with friends, but one journey turned into a nightmare after a rope got "stuck" and jammed the engine of his vehicle.

Feehily was left stranded away from the shore until his father contacted a local search team - and the singer has commended the work of his rescuers.

He tells Britain's The One Show, "I have (been rescued). I have a jet ski and sometimes I take it out on a lake. We kind of have one of those inflatable things - other people sit on it and pull it and it's a lot of fun, but the rope for that got stuck up in the engine in the jet ski and we ended up getting stranded for two and a half hours on the lake.

"It started to get dark and very worrying and very cold but luckily I brought my mobile phone with me. Everyone said, 'Don't bring it, it'll get wet!' Luckily I did because if I didn't I wouldn't have been able to call my dad and he went off and got somebody, a local search and rescue team. You don't appreciate it until something like that happens, you realise these people are just waiting (to help)."

In an interview with the Mirror Feehily, who came out in 2005, said: "Becoming a father is one of the biggest things you could ever do. I'd love to think I'll be in a place one day to have a kid, 100%. I'm not saying I'm planning to have kids right now, but they'll definitely be part of my life.


"It's always something I've been sure of since I was 14 or 15. Even knowing I was gay and before I came out I knew I'd love to be a father. You know the way you think things like 'When I have a kid, I'll tell them this, or take them there', or whatever."


Asked if he had given any thought to how the couple might become parents, Feehily replied: "I would take some serious time to look into all the options. Everybody's got their own circumstances, so there's no simple answer about what's going to be right for you or the kid.


"I'd like to think I'd be a good dad. It's the dream for me that surpasses everything else, to nurture and bring up a kid and try and teach them all the right things."


Asked about his other future plans with McDaid, Feehily replied: "We're best friends and we live together and we're going to get married soon. I can't wait but we haven't finalised the date."