After encountering a number of health issues since 2020, Westlife star Mark Feehily has decided not to join Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne on their new world tour
Westlife on BBC Breakfast(Image: BBC)
Westlife members have shared a health update on Mark Feehily ahead of their world tour.
They’ve also shared a message to their fans as they prepare to hit the road without him.
The iconic boyband are celebrating 25 years together with a new single, greatest hits album and world tour.
However, Mark won’t be joining Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne for the celebrations, which kicks off with a record-breaking 13 nights at Dublin’s 3Arena.
The Sligo singer has faced a series of health issues in recent years, including sepsis, pneumonia, an incisional hernia and several operations.
In a new update, his band members say he is “doing okay”.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Shane said: “He’s okay, he’s taking a step back at the moment. He’s on the new music which is great, he’s on [new single] Chariot obviously as well, but no, not with us on this one.
He added: “He’s good and he sends his love to everybody and to all the fans too.”
Shane, Kian and Nicky also spoke about the “phenomenal” few months they have enjoyed recently.
Shane said: “It feels really special, the last week has been incredible. I think the 25 years now, we’re feeling it ourselves, the memories, the nostalgia, it’s really kicking in.
“We start the tour in September in Ireland. It’s going to be a couple of years but it’s going to be amazing.”
Westlife previously announced that they would be touring as a trio for their 25th anniversary.
A statement said: “Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.”
Last week, Kian said he and his band members are “devastated” that Mark can’t tour.
He told The Mirror: “We’re devastated he won’t be joining us on this tour. We’ll be missing him every night just as much as the fans will. But he’s given us his full support.
“This is the 25th anniversary, it’s something that we all felt needed to be celebrated. We hope as soon as he’s ready he’ll be back with us and we look forward to that moment.”
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