Westlife have announced they are to split amicably after 14 years together as a band. The Irish pop group will finish with a farewell tour next year and said they were looking forward to "new ventures".
The band have celebrated huge success, including 14 UK number one hits over the course of their career. The group, managed by X Factor's Louis Walsh, said in a statement: "Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family."
Bryan McFadden left the band back in 2004, but the other four chose to continue as a four-piece. Remaining members Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne are due to release a greatest hits album on 21 November.
In a statement on their website, the band thanked their fans "who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too. 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."
