Monday February 02 2009

It promises be the 1m showbiz wedding of the year. But the questions on everyone's lips is when will Westlife star Kian Egan (28) swap vows with his former Jodi Albert (24)?

And although the smitten couple have done their best to try and keep details of their big day under wraps, the Diary can exclusively reveal that Friday May 8, has been scheduled in for the event.

The young couple, who have been together for nearly five years, won't have to worry about the poor weather ruining their glitzy nuptials either -- they have chosen to have the ceremony in sunny Barbados.

The two fell in love with the Caribbean destination during a holiday there in April last year while they were on the hunt for their dream wedding venue.

Now as well as forging ahead with Jodi's new girlband, which Kian co-manages with Louis Walsh, the couple are busy putting the final touches to their wedding plans.

Luxury

No expense will be spared and they're even eyeing up Dermot Desmond's multi-million euro luxury resort of Sandy Lane as a possible venue .

The guest list is expected to read like a 'who's who' of big industry names, with all of the Westlife gang already on the list, as well as Jodi's showbiz pals from Britain.

"They want everything to be just perfect for their big day so they're leaving nothing to chance," said a source.

"Because both of them are so busy with their careers, Kian and Jodi have hired a celebrity wedding planner to help them with all the details.

"Kian also loves surfing so somewhere like Barbados is perfect for him."

Speaking recently about their forthcoming wedding, Jodi confirmed that they had found their venue but wouldn't comment any further apart from saying that they're "really happy with it and that I'm so excited".

She added: "The wedding reflects exactly who me and Kian are as a couple. It's so 'us', it's our vibe and everything. It's brilliant and I can't wait for it!"

Kian popped the question on Christmas Day 2007 and will this summer follow in the footsteps of his married Westlife pals Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan.

Thursday April 16 2009

Bride-to-be Jodi Albert has revealed to the Herald how she has got into shape for her wedding to Westlife's Kian Egan next month.

"I did it the sensible way -- I ate healthy foods, cut out all the junk and I started exercising a lot -- jogging and working out at least three times a week," she said.

"I wanted to slim down a bit but I would never want to be rail thin. I want to look healthy. The trick is not to deprive yourself -- if I wanted a bit of chocolate or some ice-cream, I would have it. I was very disciplined but I allowed myself a couple of treats... if you don't you'll end up craving the wrong things."

Last weekend, pretty Jodie took time out of her busy schedule for her hen weekend.

The former Hollyoaks star is a member of a new girlband -- co-managed by her future husband Kian Egan and Louis Walsh.

Accompanied by 20 friends, the actress and singer made her way to the VIP section of Kyrstle Nightclub after dinner at Balzac restaurant on Dawson Street.

Jodi (25) is clearly embracing Ireland as her second home, laughing: "I love the Irish -- everyone here is so proud of their country, it makes me want to be Irish too," she quipped. "In fact, I do actually have Irish blood as my granny is from Limerick -- she was so thrilled when I started going out with Kian, because he's Irish."

While looking forward to marital bliss with Kian, there are no plans for any babies just yet.

Blood

"I still think I'm a bit young to start a family. I want to have a really successful career before I start a family, so it'll be another few years at least. I definitely want children but when the time comes I want to be a full-time mum and be there for them all the time."

Louis Walsh's new girlband, who received rave reviews after their appearance on The Late Late Show last year, still have no name.

"We think the name of the band is going to be called Wildflower -- it's not definite at all but it's a name we have all agreed that we really like. We think it suits the band and we prefer it to anything else we've heard so far. It's up to the record company and management at the end of the day. We're hoping to have out first single out this summer, but it could be September. It's very exciting -- you won't be disappointed," she promised.

There are clearly no tensions in the band as band-mates Kasey, Corinna, Sharon and Leigh partied away with Jodi on her hen night.

"These girls are the best -- truly and honestly. I couldn't have asked for better friends and band-mates. We all get on really well and are all very hard workers," Jodie added.

On her much talked about audition back in July last year -- where thousands of Irish girls competed for a spot in Louis' new group -- the bride-to-be remains adamant that favouritism didn't play a part, even though fiance Kian Egan was a judge.

"I have honestly never been so nervous in my life! I really felt the pressure -- everyone was staring at me... I knew I had to give my best ever performance -- I had butterflies in my stomach.

"But the truth is that Kian is a very smart business-man, like Louis, and he would never have put anyone in a girl group if he didn't think they were up to it.

Proud

"He's too smart for that and wouldn't have let me be part of the group if he didn't think I had the voice. That's why it means a lot that Kian wants me in the band that he's managing... I'm honestly so proud to get the chance to work with him. He's the best," she said.

The bubbly beauty also admits that Louis Walsh is tough but fair.

"Louis is great to work with but I will say he has very, very high standards and he demands 100pc from all of us girls the whole time.

"He is tough -- but that's why he's so successful," she adds.

- Elaine Stenson

Wed a load of cash for Kian and Jodi's wedding
19 Apr 2009 by Villy
Jodi Albert and Kian Egan will be in a world of their own when they get a staggering 800.000 euros, for their exclusive wedding pictures.

The Westlife hunk and his girlband bride, have signed the exclusive deal with OK! Magazine, for the ceremony in Barbados on 8th May.

The pair fell in love with the Caribbean destination during a holiday there in April of last year.

As well as forging head with Jodi's new girlband, which Kian co-manages with Louis Walsh, the couple are putting their final touches to the big day.

And the cash will come in handy for the pop pin up, who has splashed out almost 1 million Euros on the wedding.

A source close to Kian said: "They wanted everything to be just perfect for their day so they are leaving nothing to chance."

Because both of them are so busy with their careers, Kian and Jodi have hired a celebrity wedding planner, to help them with all the details.

Kian also loves surfing so somewhere like Barbados, is perfect for him.

"They did a deal for their engagement pictures with OK! Magazine, so the wedding shots were the next logical step."

And what is great for the couple is they don't have to worry about photographers for the big day, as the magazine will take care of that. They always take care of security on the big day which is a big concern for the couple.

No expense will be spared at Dermot Desmonds multi million euros Sandy lane luxury resort.

One hundred lucky guests will fly to the paradise island for the wedding.

The pop millionaire is footing the bill for 30 of his close friends and family, and has booked them on a business class flight for 3,000 euors a pop.

He has also booked a nuber of villas, and set aside 320.000 euros for a deposit on the luxury accomadation.