JANUARY 2004

The 'Life arrive and first through the door is Nicky, followed by Shane and then Bryan, who has brought daughter Molly with him. Lily Sue is with Kerry's mum while she's busy stressing out in the jungle.

Kian and Mark arrive a wee bit later because they've been stuck in traffic but when they do it's soon chaos in the green room as all the boys take turns playing games with Molly. Bryan even dangles her over the bin, which she finds most amusing. Molly soon discovers that the green room is well stocked with plenty of treats for the pop stars, including sweets. She's very quickly demanding daddy's help so she can get hold of the M&Ms.

It's Mark's turn to baby-sit when Bryan gets a call on his mobile. It's Bry's mum and the pair are soon gassing about how Kerry's doing in I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! Bryan reckons she's doing really well, especially with all the creepy crawlies around. "I wouldn't mind dem bugs," he says. "But if I saw one of dem jungle rats Oi'd be s***ting meself." Really Bryan, that's your mother you're talking to!

On set and in-between rehearsals of new single 'Obvious' the lads practise their vocal harmonies. They start warbling away and they only stop when Bryan points out, "This is all a bit useless - we're miming." They're also all in deep conversation about property and buying houses. Lads, come on, you're in a band, stop sounding so old.

While they're performing, Molly starts crying and tries to get onto the stage to see daddy Bryan. She's being held back by Dave, the 'Life's beefy bodyguard, and this make her cry even more. Bryan look visibly upset but we're halfway through a take and Bry's the consummate professionalThe band continue with the song but when camera isn't on one of the guys they each take it in turns to pull faces at Molly to try and cheer her up. It doesn't work. Even before the song is over Bryan is off the stage and Molly is in his arms. "Did we do a rubbish performance, Molly?" Asks Nicky. Molly cries even more. "That'll be a yes then!"

Bodyguard Dave puts Molly in her buggy and takes her for a walk. The boys solider on and eventually finish recording. It's time to go and Molly is bought back, now fast asleep. Bryan pushes the buggy to their car, which is waiting outside. As Westlife leave the studio a handful of fans have gathered to wave and say hello. Even though the guys are on a tight schedule they still spend a few moments signing autographs and posing for pics. What guys!

source -  popworld.com
31st Jan
 

Westlife help Cecelia launch book

 Daughter of the Taoiseach, sister-in-law to a Westlife hunk and now a millionaire author Cecelia Ahern launched her book last night surrounded by the rich and famous... At only 22 Cecelia Ahern has the world at her feet and enough money in the bank to live a life of luxury after her first book, PS I Love You, has become a hit across the globe and is now due to be made into a Hollywood movie. But looking at Cecelia's background it would be hard to imagine her NOT doing something massive with her life considering she is the daughter of the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and her sister Georgina just married Nicky Byrne of Westlife.

Last night she had the launch of her book in the plush surroundings of the Merrion Hotel surrounded by A-list Pop Stars and politicians. Last night saw all the Westlife guys (minus Bryan McFadden who was recovering after Samantha Mumba's 21st), and Ronan Keating rubbing shoulders with Cecelia's Mum and Dad Celia and Bertie Ahern, and her boyfriend David Keohane.

PS I Love You tells the story of Holly, a 30-year-old Dubliner whose husband, Gerry, dies unexpectedly of a brain tumor. Holly discovers he has left her 10 sealed envelopes containing monthly tasks Holly must complete or challenges she must face - each designed to help her come to grips with her grief and embrace life again.
The novel has been snapped up by publishers in 23 countries, including a $1 million deal with Hyperion in the United States. Hollywood producer Wendy Finerman, who won an Oscar for Forrest Gump snapped up the film rights for $100,000. Cecelia has already finished her second novel and is already making notes on a third.

Source - showbiz ireland
30th Jan
 

Bryan misses Sam to see Kerry

 Samantha Mumba's 21st Birthday Party in Four Seasons Hotel last night was a celebrity only affair but Westlife's Bryan McFadden missed out the bash so he could watch his wife on I'm a Celebrity Get Me out of Here...  Samantha Mumba has redefined the 21st Birthday Party; instead of having your mates, a couple of aunties, and your granny making their way to the grotty backroom of a local pub she has made it a glitzy Hollywood affair. And watching the celebrities arrive at the Four Seasons last night was like watching the red carpet catwalk at the Oscars.

Both Irish and international stars of the stage and screen showed up in their finest threads to honour the young star on her birthday and even though Hello! magazine had bought the rights to the party ShowBiz Ireland managed to snap her guests as they arrived. But as the lads from Westlife walked in with their better-halves thoughts turned to Bryan McFadden who was made conspicuous by his absence. According to whispers he was at home watching his wife Kerry on I'm a Celebrity Get me out of Here but would make his way to the bash after the broadcast.

And looking at the Gucci, Chanel, and Dior brands on the guest's carrier bags Samantha received some very expensive presents. Guests on the night included Rosanna Davison, Shane and Gillian Filan, Nicky and Georgina Byrne, Louis Walsh, Gay Byrne, Gerry Ryan, Mr Pussy, Linda Martin, Keith and Lisa Duffy, Girls Aloud, Brian Ormond and Natara Byrne, Keith Barry, Pat Kenny, Sam's Ex - Mark Henderson, and many many more...


Source -  www.showbizireland.com
28th Jan

A BRIT for Becks?

Nicky from Westlife reckons he knows exactly who should scoop an award on February 17th. But bizarrely, he’s not a pop star…
"I think David Beckham should have a BRIT. He’s done everything else a pop star would do, so why not? The only think he can’t do is sing. But then, neither can a lot of pop stars!"
Oooh Nicky, now who can you be talking about?

Source -  www.brits.co.uk
28th Jan

26-01-04 news  Bryan & Nicky Police Childline 2004

Westlife's comedy duo Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne were a roaring  success as they hosted the Childline concert dressed as the Gardai in The Point yesterday...

The seventh Childline was a massive success in The Point Theatre  yesterday with Westlife headlining and hosting the concert. The line up included Westlife, Rachel Stevens, Gareth Gates, Girls Aloud, D-Vine, Lemar, Simon Casey and many more.

source -showbizireland
28th Jan

Childline Stars party at Lillies

 Hoards of Pop's finest stars piled into celebrity haunt Lillies Bordello last night to let their hair down and party after the massively successful Childline gig... The after party in Lillies Bordello has become a tradition after the annual Childline concert and this year was no exception. Stars such as Westlife, Gareth Gates, Rachel Stevens, D-Vine, and Girls Aloud all rushed to the exclusive venue after the concert.

Last year ShowBiz Ireland regulars at the club sneaked in to get the behind the scenes scoop on the party but after the crazy Australia Day celebrations in the city this year we were just too tired!

Source -  www.showbizireland.com
28th Jan

Kerry Disappoints I'm A Celeb Contestants...

JOHN LYDON "I want to stay on the show as long as possible. I want to win, but it's up to the viewers." Those hoping former Atomic Kitten star KERRY McFADDEN would join the pair in baring all will be disappointed. She promised her hubby, Westlife's Bryan McFadden, that she would not strip, saying: "I wouldn't do that to Bryan. Besides, gravity has taken control now. I go to bed at night and tuck my t**s in my socks."

26th Jan

Westlife are nominated for 'Best Irish Pop Act'

which is open to the public vote. Up against them are -

Simon Casey
D-Side
Hazel Kaneswaren
Ronan Keating
Westlife

Fans can vote for their favourite artist or band by texting the key word VOTE to 53500. All text votes will cost no more than 60c across all three Irish networks. All voters will be entered into a competition to win VIP tickets to the awards and an amazing 10 day luxury holiday in Las Vegas staying in the five star Belagio Hotel.

Meteor Awards would take place on 1st March on Dublin The Point Theatre. For tickets, one sale from tomorrow (Friday) on 9am.

Source - Showbiz. Ireland
26th Jan

Obvious

You can now watch the video for Obvious on www.westlife.com. In the news.

Source - westlife.com
 26th Jan

Celebrity Show Stress Puts Kerry in Hospital!

Kerry McFadden has revealed she was hospitalised with stress at the prospect of appearing on I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! The former Atomic Kitten star was so nervous about the show that she collapsed with crippling stomach pains days before flying out to Australia. Kerry, married to Westlife's Bryan McFadden and mother to their two children, fell ill on a visit to see her mother. She said: "We were supposed to go out to the pub, but I threw up as soon as I got to my mum's. They ended up rushing me to hospital with severe stomach pains and I was there for a day and a half.
"I made myself ill because I was so worried about leaving Bryan and my girls. My worst fear is that the British public will see me on TV and hate me. "Kerry is now safely in Australia with the other nine celebrity contestants.

They are glamour model Jordan, long-suffering Alex Best, former pop star Peter Andre, shamed aristocrat Lord Brocket, royal reporter Jennie Bond, former Sex Pistol John Lydon, ex-Olympic athlete Diane Modahl, soccer hardman Neil Ruddock and DJ Mike Read. Tomorrow they will meet as a group for the first time as their adventure begins. On Sunday they leave behind the luxuries of their five-star hotel on Queensland's Gold Coast for jungle survival training, coming face to face with the snakes, spiders and assorted creepy-crawlies. On Monday they will be dropped by helicopter into the jungle and must trek to their base at the foot of a volcano.

A spokeswoman for the ITV1 show said: "Today they will begin counting down to the moment when they will have to give up all the trappings of fame and celebrity.
"Friday will be the last day that they can sit around the swimming pool, go shopping or do whatever they like.
"On Saturday they will have a meet and greet session, and on Sunday they will have to begin training for life in the jungle before they actually go in on Monday. "Ruddock is 5-2 favourite to win the new series followed by Lydon at 10-3, according to bookies William Hill.

25th Jan

Boob war: I'm dropping out!

KERRY McFadden threw in the towel in the battle of the boobs yesterday — and admitted she was outgunned by Jordan's massive bazookas. Speaking as she arrived at Coolangatta Airport on Australia's Gold Coast, Kerry, 23, laughed: "My t**s are as big as her nipples!
"She's a really nice girl, but I don't think there's any competition when it comes to t**s."

Ex-Atomic Kitten star Kerry, a 36DD, said she was looking forward to being stranded with hell-raising model Jordan, who weighs in at a whopping 32FF. But she admitted she was so worried about the show she had to be rushed to hospital when she visited her mum before jetting to Oz. Mum-of-two Kerry, who is married to Westlife's Bryan, said: "We were supposed to go out to the pub, but I threw up as soon as I got to my mum's. They ended up rushing me to hospital with severe stomach pains and I was there for a day and half."

Kerry added: "I made myself ill because I was so worried about leaving Bryan and my girls. I'm also worried people will see me on TV and hate me."

25th Jan

Jodie Marsh with Kerry all the way!

JODIE Marsh last night let rip with a bitchy rant at rival Jordan — and backed Kerry McFadden to win.

Party girl Jodie, 25, who pulled out of the show, sniped: "It needs a comedy cartoon character.
"With being starved, she won't need next month's liposuction.
"I'm with Kerry all the way. At least her boobs are real."

25th Jan

Kerry's peeved at Bryan

Westlife hunk Bryan McFadden has incurred the wrath of his buxom wife Kerry because he's been out partying too much.

The former Atomic Kitten singer is due to appear on the third series of ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here next week but is rather peeved off with her man because she's been left at home while he parties with mates. Bryan apparently flew 15 pals to Liverpool's The Place nightclub recently, while Kerry packed her bags for the Australian trip.

"Kerry isn't impressed. She's going to Australia and she won't see Bryan for at least two weeks," a source told the Daily Sport. "This was their last weekend together and Bryan has just spent all of his time with his mates. She thought he'd want to spend as much time as he could with her, but then she found out he was flying 15 of his mates over from Ireland."

You can't blame poor old Kerry for being a bit annoyed, she'll have to spend the next two weeks in the Australian outback with the likes of John Lydon, Jordan and Mike Read.

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here begins January 26 on ITV.

source - uk.news.yahoo.com
25th Jan
 

I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here

The ten stars joining I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here spoke last night of their survival plans after the final line-up was confirmed.

Kerry McFadden
Age: 23
Phobias: Hates heights and insects
Special skills: Talking

Kerry is going to miss her younger daughter's first birthday and not seeing her husband - Westlife's Bryan McFadden - will be "torture".
"We haven't gone a day when we haven't spoken," said the ex-Atomic Kitten and mum-of-two. "I'll probably even miss changing nappies; I won't  miss changing Brian's though!" But she hopes she won't get a homesick as Danniella Westbrook. "I saw Danniella have her breakdown and I guess I can understand." Kerry, though, insisted: "If someone's going to have a go I'm not going to sit there and keep my gob shut." She is preparing by sleeping in the garden for a week - and watching a video of Castaway. But she admitted: "I'm petrified of everything. The most adventurous thing I've done is crazy golf."

source www.mirror.co.uk
25th Jan
 

I'm a Celebrity contestant Kerry McFadden has spent 36 hours in hospital after suffering a panic attack over appearing on the show. The former Atomic Kitten singer says she collapsed under the strain that she'll become Britain's "most hated woman" for speaking her mind in the jungle. The 23-year-old says she was released from hospital just in time to catch her flight to Australia, where the ITV series is being filmed, reports the Daily Star. She said: "It was panic over the show which caused the problem. I was so stressed and anxious, I ended up in hospital for a day and a half.
"I felt worse and worse, and finally just collapsed with these really bad stomach pains. I've never felt anything like it. I began throwing up and couldn't stop. It was really scary. I felt dreadful.
"I'm famous for being a bit of a loudmouth and I believe in speaking my mind. Because of that, I got myself wound up that I'll end up the most hated woman in Britain.
"I'm really worried that I'll be kicked off the show first. I'm worried about how the viewers will perceive me. I don't want anyone thinking I'm a stuck-up cow or something.
"I guess it was this fear - that the British public will see me on TV and hate me - that caused the health problem. All the stress about the show kept building up inside me and made me really ill. Worries about leaving Bryan and my kids, fears about the show - I just got totally stressed out." She also told the newspaper that leaving her daughters, Molly and Lily-Sue, and husband Bryan behind caused her considerable heartache.
"Bryan was a bit emotional and begged me not to go. Seeing him so upset made it really hard for me, but he knew deep down I'd have to go.
Asked about her rivalry with Jordan on the show, she added: "Jordan is a really nice girl, but when it comes to boobs I don't think there's really any competition. My tits look like her nipples."

Source - Freeserve
24th Jan

Kerry McFadden says she won't flirt on I'm A Celebrity!

Kerry McFadden says she has no plans to flirt while she's in the Australian jungle for I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!The ex-Atomic Kitten star says she had a "wild night of passion" with husband Bryan after having a Japanese meal before she left for the jungle.

But the 23-year-old dismissed reports she's planning a jungle fling with Peter Andre to punish Bryan, for an alleged infidelity on his stag night, reports The Sun. She said: "Some people have been saying that I'm going to get my revenge on Bryan by flirting with Peter. But have you seen his clothes? His haircut? No thanks!" She also said she is expecting to get on well with Jordan, but said she wouldn't be stripping off. "She's young like me, and we both love going out and having a giggle. Hopefully we can exchange tips on motherhood," she said.

source - The sun
24th Jan

TV PRESENTER Kerry McFadden today vowed that she won't copy I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here flop Danniella Westbrook by quitting the series. But she admitted it will be difficult for her to be separated from her husband, Westlife's Bryan McFadden andtheir daughters Molly, 2, and Lilly Sue, who is nearly a year old, for the new series of the show.
The former Atomic Kitten star said: "I'm feeling really emotional. It's going to be hard." Westbrook could not bear being away from her husband and children and gave up halfway through a previous series of the reality show. McFadden will be joined in the Australian jungle by celebrities including model Jordan and former royal reporter Jennie Bond for the show which starts on ITV1 on Monday. She said: "I'm determined not to quit but I can sympathise with Danniella.

24th Jan

Jungle babes warned: Don't slag off lovers

Busty blondes Kerry McFadden and Jordan have been warned they can flash the flesh but not dish the dirt in their battle of the boobs in the jungle.
Jordan planned to get her own back on ex-lovers Dwight Yorke and Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates - and Kerry was expected to spill the beans on her husband, Westlife singer Bryan McFadden. Footballer Dwight, 32, left Jordan after fathering their child Harvey and she had a romp with 18-year-old Gareth while she was pregnant. Jordan - real name Kate Price - was furious when he denied their affair to protect his squeaky-clean image.

Outspoken Kerry was also expected to reveal intimate details of her marriage to McFadden, 23. It was claimed Bryan had a night of passion with a lapdancer shortly before their marriage but she forgave him despite her anger. Telly bosses have warned the pair to keep their private lives private as none of the details can be transmitted for legal reasons. An insider said: "Jordan's still angry with Dwight because he doesn't visit their child very much. She'd like to tell the public exactly what she thinks of him.
"Kerry wants to set the record straight about her marriage - she loves to gossip. But the problem is ITV are not allowed to broadcast defamatory statements about other celebrities.
"Jordan, 25, plans to reveal her 34FF boobs while she bathes her curves in the Australian outback. But ex-Atomic Kitten star Kerry, 23, has told pals that she will stay covered up.

Source: Daily Star
24th Jan

Making of Obvious video - First pictures

Westlife's official website has released the first pictures from the making of the bands new video for upcoming single "Obvious". The video was shot in Goa late last year and it features the lads amidst exploding TVs and burning beds!
To view the first Bryan pictures from it, click on the thumbnails to the left.

   
Source -  westlife.com
23rd Jan

Kerry is gagged on romp

Former Atomic Kitten Kerry McFadden sobs last night as she flies out to join the show. Kerry, 23, was overcome after hubby Bryan waved her off at Heathrow. It will be the first time they have not spoken on a daily basis.
I’m A Celeb bosses have banned Kerry from talking about Westlife star Bryan’s alleged romp with a lapdancer. Lawyers say a libel case involving Bryan and Amy Barker may collapse if she blabs.
Producers are ready to chop footage.

Source -  thesun.co.uk
23rd Jan

THERE'S just a week to go before I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here is back on our screens. Last year's winner Phil Tufnell reckons the reality TV show did him a world of good. And today the cricket legend exclusively tells the Daily Record which celebrities he tips to win this year. He's already picked two favourites for the Aussie jungle ordeal. Tuffers thinks the ones to beat are soccer star Neil ''Razor'' Ruddock and George Best's wife Alex. This year's I'm A Celebrity series kicks off next Monday.

Veteran stand-up comic Frank Carson, 77, has reportedly been ruled out after show bosses voiced concerns over his health. But Phil says the Irish comedian would have been a valuable member of the team. He added: ''You have ups and downs during your time in there and it helps if someone can lighten the mood.' Phil's mad-cap antics won him an army of supporters among viewers. He once memorably ate a supper of red ants, mealworms, a live beetle and a moth pupa.

Chemistry One of the highlights of last year's I'm A Celebrity was the sexual chemistry between Phil and interior designer Linda Barker. But Phil denies there was any romance between them. He said: ''The whole thing was blown out of proportion.' Phil lives with gym instructor Dawn Brown, 35, who he has-been dating since 2001. He has two daughters, Ellie, 11, and Poppy, six, from previous relationships.

Phil's easy-going, beer-and fags image has made him hot property with TV bosses desperate to boost viewing figures. He's a team captain on BBC1 sports quiz They Think It's All Over, presents his own Five Live radio show and writes a newspaper column. Sky Sports have also enlisted him as a commentator and studio expert. Phil's also in big demand among advertisers keen to use his popularity to sell their products. And he was in Glasgow last week to promote Foster's Australia Day celebrations, expected to attract one million people at parties across the UK. NEIL RUDDOCK Age: 35 Occupation: Retired footballer The former Liverpool, Spurs and West Ham central defender and Swindon coach has a hard man reputation. Phil's joint favourite. Phil says: ''He has a huge personality and will get stuck right into any physical challenges or activities.''

KERRY McFADDEN

Age: 23 Occupation: Singer/TV presenter The former member of girl band Atomic Kitten is married to Bryan from Irish boy band Westlife. The couple have two children. Phil says: ''She seems to be a pretty straightforward, action kind of girl and has a bubbly, positive character.''

source -Glasgow Daily Record
23rd Jan

I'M A NUTTER - GET ME IN HERE!

THEY are the worst bunch of has-beens and misfits to have been assembled by TV freak show I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here! Between them, they can boast three boob jobs, a string of expletives, a dope test and a conviction for fraud.

Add to that a mix of domestic violence, a broadcaster "more royal than the royals" and an ex-footballer known as Razor and you have a time bomb. Here, we give you an insight into who's who and what baggage they will be taking on January 26 to the ITV series set in the Australian jungle.

KERRY McFADDEN
Ex-Atomic Kitten singer THE former girl band singer and mum of two lives with husband Westlife star Bryan. But Kerry, 23, had a tough childhood in a one-bed council flat in Warrington, Cheshire with schizophrenic mum, Susan. Kerry once had to sell her pet parrot to pay for sanitary towels.

NEIL RUDDOCK
Football hardman FORMER Liverpool, Spurs and England defender, now 35, earned a "bad boy" reputation. Razor was once sent off for head-butting but later cleaned up his act - on the pitch at least. Allegedly he hit Robbie Fowler in an airport and also cheated on his wife.

JORDAN
Busty 34FF model mum BORN Katie Price, Jordan's ridiculously pneumatic 34FF bust following three boob jobs, has bizarrely made her both a laughing stock and a role model for page three wannabes. The 25-year-old is mother to footballer Dwight Yorke's lovechild Harvey. Former lovers include pop stars Dane Bowers and Gareth Gates.

JENNIE BOND
Ex-Royal correspondent The BBC's former royal court correspondent was famously accused of being "more royal than the royals" .But Jennie admitted recently she didn't much care for the Queen and her clan. The 52-year-old also admitted that she doesn't wear knickers.

PETER ANDRE
Former Aussie singer THE Aussie with a tragic haircut had a string of hits including Mysterious Girl and Flava in the mid-90s.But last year the 30-year-old was reduced to giving a kiss-and-tell account of how he dated Tania Do Nascie-mento who was briefly on Big Brother.

ONE time anarchist and leader of punk band the Sex Pistols, the then Johnny Rotten lived up to his name, describing the Queen Ageing punk rocker JOHN LYDON as a "f****** German tourist". The band's first single, God Save the Queen, was a smash hit. Now aged 47, he remains hard to predict.

DIANE MODAHL Ex-Olympic runner THE former British and Commonwealth 800m champion and Olympics competitor's golden career was in ruins in 1994 when she tested positive for male hormone testosterone. Two years later the IAAF ruled the dope test was flawed.

But the mum of one, 37, lost her claim for damages. LORD BROCKET 4.5million fraudster A CLOSE pal of Prince Charles, the toff was dubbed Lord Fraud when he was jailed for five years over a £4.5million classic car racket. Brockett, 51, tried to claim the insurance on cars "stolen" from his collection. But he had destroyed them at his estate near Lemsford, Herts.

ALEX BESTWife of fallen soccer hero

SHE was left bruised at Christmas following a tussle with her drunken, fallen soccer idol husband George Best. Alex, 31, has forgiven his infidelities and falls off the wagon. But now she's had enough and took revenge by sexily posing in a bikini for the lads magazine Loaded.

source -  The Mirror
22nd Jan

SIMON COWELL is having his carefully-cultivated Mr Nasty image trashed by Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert. Gorgeous Jodi Debbie Dean in the hit soap is dating Westlife hunk Kian Egan.

But before she found fame in the Channel 4 soap Jodi, 20, was in the flop pop band Girl Thing, managed by Cowell. The brunette said: ''I really liked Simon, he was absolutely lovely to me. He was so protective and he worked very closely with us. He wasn't the big celebrity he is now.
''He was a big name in the industry but he wasn't widely known to the public.''

source -  www.dailyrecord.co.uk
22nd Jan
 

FORMER Atomic Kitten Kerry McFadden sobs last night as she flies out to join the show.

Kerry, 23, was overcome after hubby Bryan waved her off at Heathrow. It will be the first time they have not spoken on a daily basis. I’m A Celeb bosses have banned Kerry from talking about Westlife star Bryan’s alleged romp with a lapdancer. Lawyers say a libel case involving Bryan and Amy Barker may collapse if she blabs. Producers are ready to chop footage.

source- the sun Newspaper
21st Jan

Obvious 'making of' shots

Check the official Westlife site to view some screengrabs from the "Making of" piece that's been shot to accompany Westlife's Obvious video. The video was filmed in Goa, although with plenty of early morning and late night scenes, it possibly wasn't always as hot as you might think! There seem to be a fair fire-y effects in the video - you can see Mark with (soon to be) exploding TVs, and Nicky with burning beds, among other things...

More shots are in the Gallery section on www.westlife.com; the single Obvious comes out on February 23rd.

Source -  www.westlife.com
 21st Jan
 

Meteor Ireland Music Awards

Westlife are nominated for best Pop Act at the upcoming Meteor Ireland Music Awards. To find out how to vote (SMS) for Westlife go to www.meteor.ie/about/sponsor.html and click on the link for info.

The Meteor Ireland Music Awards will take place at the Point Theatre on Monday March 1st.

21st Jan

Dear Westlife fan - Happy New Year to one and all 

2004 looks set to be another amazing year for Westlife with new singles and of course the fantastic world tour which will see Westlife in more countries than ever around the world.  Right now the lads are on holiday in various parts of the world taking a well earned rest.  Shane is currently enjoying his honeymoon and sends his thanks to everyone who left messages of support.

First up this year will be the release of Westlife's new single, 'Obvious' released on February 23rd.  Obvious is taken from their no.1 album 'Turnaround' and includes 2 tracks with exclusive bonus medley featuring Flying Without Wings/My Love and Mandy and maxi CD with two extra tracks and the video, making of the video and fan conference footage - all exclusive to this release!

The video for 'Obvious' was shot last year in Goa, India.  It’s just being finished right now and as soon as it’s complete we'll let you know where you'll be able to watch it.  We'll of course put a clip up on Westlife.com for your viewing pleasure.  All we can tell you is that it's a stunning vid!

Westlife will be back to official Westlife duties towards the end of January and those of you in the Dublin area will be able to check them out at the Childline event which takes place on January 27th.  For those of you not lucky enough to be able to go to that, you can catch Westlife performing their new single 'Obvious' exclusively on The All New Top of The Pops of Friday 30th January.  This will be their first performance of 'Obvious' on TV.

If you listen to Core Control with Kam and Sally on the radio in the evening, or you listen to Core (the Digital Radio station) you can also listen out for some exclusive mobile products that are being promoted every time they play 'Obvious'. If you can't tune in you can buy some of the ringtones by following the instructions listed below. Listen out to Core Control and Core over the coming months to enter some exclusive competitions where you could win a chance to get a voicemail message recorded for you by the band and win a competition to meet the band and make a film backstage at one of their concerts in May.

source - westlife.com 19th Jan

You can order the official Westlife 'Obvious' tones by texting WEST, your phone code* (see below) and the product code i.e.:

Obvious Mono tone: Text WEST NK (if your phone is a Nokia) 40527 to 88222 or call 0906 5000 500
Obvious Poly Tone: Text West NK (if your phone is a Nokia)   412178 to 88222 or call 0906 5000 500
Obvious Truetone: Text West NK (if your phone is a Nokia)     450001 to 87121 or call 0906 5000 550
*Phone codes:  NK - Nokia /SM - Samsung/ER - Ericsson/MO - Motorola/SH - Sharp/PA - Panasonic

Please note the following costs for mobile content. Please check with bill payer that you have permission to purchase this product. For more information on the mobile phone content on offer from Core please visit: http://www.corecontrol.co.uk or http://www.corefreshhits.com/Wlife.asp.  Phone: Calls charged at £1.50 per minute, and should take no more than 2 minutes (Monophonic and Polyphonic) and 3 minutes (Truetone) to complete the transaction.  SMS: Charged at £1.50 per message, with 2 messages being required to purchase a Monophonic or Polyphonic Ringtone and 3 messages for a Truetone.
For details of handset compatibility click here http://www.corefreshhits.com/PhoneCompat.htm.More news soon....

source - westlife.com 19th Jan

Battle of the jungle babes!

IT is going to be hot, sweaty and messy – but one of these specimens could be crowned Queen Of The Jungle. The five women will battle it out against each other and five fellas in the Australian rainforest in the upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!

And our jungle Janes could not be more different.
First there's mega-boobed glamour girl Jordan, real name Katie Price. The 25-year-old FF-fronted model is famous for falling out of nightclubs, fighting and plastic surgery.
Joining her is part-time telly presenter Kerry McFadden. After a short stint in girl band Atomic Kitten Kerry, 23, married multi-millionaire Westlife singer Bryan McFadden. The couple have two children.
Also taking up the challenge is Alex Best. The wannabe TV star, 31, is the long-suffering wife of alcoholic former football legend George. She left him after he went back on the booze over the festive season. The final straw was when her drunken husband attacked her on Christmas Day.
Ex-royal correspondent Jennie Bond, 53, is the unlikely fourth female joining the charity competition.
The former BBC reporter is more used to covering state occasions than munching on maggots — but she should have just the right experience to know how to keep a stiff upper lip.
Sportswoman Diane Modahl, 37, completes the line-up.
A Commonwealth gold medal middle-distance runner, Diane was wrongly banned from athletics after a duff drugs test. She later cleared her name but never managed to return to form.

19th Jan

Jungle booby!

Lucrative career as a bouncy castle after Atomic Kitten A riveting battle of the uberboobs is about to break out in the Australian jungle.
Goggles and crash-helmets are expected to be provided for fellow contestants on the much-anticipated third series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! when 34FF Jordan goes bumper to bumper with the untampered 36FF charms of Kerry 'Married-To-The-Fat-One-In-Westloife' McFadden.
It's gonna get messy. Neither of these girlies are exactly known for their restraint, apart from the Forth Bridge-style lady-bras they're spot-welded into on a daily basis.
Luckily the dear old Daily Star's on hand with a string of puns and an eye-popping full colour centre spread, telling trouser-rubbing readers all they need to know about the nork-laden reality rivals.
And it's a genuine tale of the (tit) tape...

* There's stuff about Jordan's fear she'll crack up in the jungle and a reminder that she'll soon be appearing in a "steamy erotic thriller" with Dean Gaffney.
* Yes, we did say Dean Gaffney.
* Meanwhile, Scouse-mouth Kerry is described as 'vulnerable' and
prone to a touch of the waterworks if others have a pop at her.
* Take note, John Lydon.
* Oh, Kerry has two beautiful bouncing babies too. Plus a couple of children by McFatten.
In the words of the Star: "May the breast girl win." See what they did there?

source - Daily Star
19th Jan

Calling all Westlife fans!

One woman is trying to organise the worlds largest sing-a-long in honour of the Irish boy band.
Alanna Corbett, a 24-year-old medical secretary from Glasgow, hopes togather up 300 fans outside Cardiff International Arena to set the world record.
The group were biggest-selling concert act in Britain last year and  will be playing to around 5000 fans in Cardiff on April 12 - the day the sing-a-long will be staged.
There is no current record for a Westlife sing-a-long. If you are interested call Alanna on 07979 844 839.

source - The South Wales Echo
19th Jan

Written by Kerry Mcfadden

It was no surprise to hear that Kian Egan’s girlfriend Jodi Albert has received malicious messages on her mobile from jealous fans, Bryan’s had to change his number many times. Luckily I’ve never experienced such calls and the Westlife fans I have met have been friendly. Bryan takes it all in good humour, even the marriage proposals. Sometimes when we go to clubs, girls can get frisky, pinching Bryan’s bum, and that’s when I kick off, but it’s only when they’re drunk and I get it from guys as well. The fans will get used to Jodi and learn to accept her.

Source-  Hotstars 
19th Jan

 Oh, Kerry has two beautiful bouncing babies too. Plus a couple of children by McFatten.

KERRY McFADDEN

LATIN NAME: Talent-minimus-breastus-maximus.
HABITAT: No-brainer television shows most often aired in the middle of the day, so she won’t be used to people watching her.
MATING CALL: An ear-splitting, toe-curling wail heard on early Atomic Kitten singles.
PLUMAGE: Impressively chested beast with striking bleach-blonde mane and much-flaunted belly button piercing.
PREY: Bryan McFadden, potatohead singer from boy band Westlife.
KITBAG: Westlife CD, a corset and spare shell suit.

source - The sun ( online)
17th Jan

Brave Jade rebuilds life

THE NEW year has brought new hope for teenager Jade Skain and her family as she continues to recover from a horrific car accident.

Doctors feared the worst when 13-year-old Jade was hit by a car on her way home from school, suffering a fractured skull and ribs, a broken shoulder and lung damage. Her parents Jane and Dean, of Southsea Road, Woodhouse, kept a bedside vigil as their eldest daughter lay in a coma for three weeks. But after two months in hospital and extensive physiotherapy, speech therapy and rehabilitation, Jade is making a good recovery. Mum Jane, aged 31, said: "She is making good progress and is keen to get back to normality. It was so hard because of the head injuries, as everyone reacts differently.
 "She has had to learn everything again; to talk, walk, eat, everything. But she has worked really hard.
"There are changes in her memory, moods and personality, but now she is a lot more like herself again. She has got a way to go, but she is so much better."
They had to cancel a holiday, but because of her remarkable recovery, they spent five days at Butlins in Skegness over Christmas. Jane said: "It had been such a hard year so it was really nice to have a few days as a family together again." Jade missed a Westlife concert at the Hallam FM Arena last year, but the Irish quintet sent their best wishes. The five lads invited Jade's grandmother Maureen and six-year-old sister Mia to the concert and presented signed pictures and goodies to them. Jane said: "That was definitely a boost to Jade's recovery. I still remember her smiling when we told her.
"She has got all the pictures in her bedroom. It was really nice for Mia, too, because she has been through a lot. They are very close and if anything this accident has brought them closer together."

Source - Sheffield Today
17th Jan.

Coronation Street stars set for charity match

'Coronation Street' star Keith Duffy has today named his team to play the Childline fundraising Tesco Challenge on 1 February at Tolka Park in Dublin.Duffy's 'All Stars' from the world of sport and entertainment will take on Harchester United from Sky One's 'Dream Team'.

Joining Duffy on the home side will be 'Coronation Street's Tyrone, Kevin, Martin, Ashley and Kirk, as well as Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott, Big Brother runner-up Ray Shah, comedian Brendan O'Carroll, Pop Idol finalist Brian Ormond and Westlife's Nicky Byrne.
The proceeds from this annual fundraiser will go towards the work of Childline again this year, with over 200,000Euros having been raised by the event to date. 

Duffy said that he hoped this year's match would raise up to 80,000Euros for the children's charity. 
"It is a great family day out. We may not be the best footballers in the world but it is a bit of fun and it is for such a good cause," he said.Tickets priced at 10Euros or 30Euros for a family ticket, are available at Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.


source - RTE
16th Jan

 Kerry 3rd Favourite to win I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

Neil Ruddock has been installed as the 11/4 favourite to win the forthcoming new series of I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.
Bookmakers William Hill reckon the former footballer will emulate cricketer Phil Tufnell by winning the programme.
Hills make former Sex Pistol, Johnny 'Rotten' Lydon their 9/2 second favourite, with Kerry McFadden 5/1 third, ahead of Alex Best, 11/2 fourth favourite.
Frank Carson is then quoted at 6/1 by Hills who also offer 7/1 on Jordan; 10/1 on former Royal correspondent Jenny Bond; and 16/1 on Peter Andre, Lord Brocket and Diane Modahl.

15th Jan

First Obvious TVs scheduled

The band may be having some time of, but there's still lots of work going on for next single Obvious, which is coming out on February 23rd. The first confirmed TV dates are in, as below - there are plenty more pencilled, which we'll add as they get confirmed. Key date for your diary include the first terrestrial showing of the video, on TOTP Saturday on Jan 24th, and the first performance, on TOTP on Jan 30th.

January
24th: TOTP Saturday - Terrestrial video exclusive
30th: TOTP - Exclusive performance

February
7th: CDUK - Performance
14th: TOTP Saturday - Performance
16th: GMTV - Interview and performance
22nd: Popworld - Performance

Source - www.westlife.com
14th  Jan
 

Galleries updated

Check out the Band section on the official Westlife site to see some new group and individual shots of the guys, taken at the end of 2003.
The new pics come from a variety of events, including HMV signings, the 5 year anniversary party at the Irish Embassy in London, German promo and more.
The band are currently taking a bit of time off whilst Shane enjoys his honeymoon, but they'll be back before you know it with next single Obvious due for release on February 23rd.

Source: www.westlife.com
14th Jan

"I'm a celebrity, Get me out of the housework..."

"Pop pair Bryan and Kerry McFadden left the cleaning behind in their Dublin home to head for quality time in the sun this week. The couple threw a howling New Year's Eve bash with Kerry's mum as the guest of honour. Thoughts of tidying up would wilt any housewife, but Kerry, 22, joined Bryan for a quick trip to Dubai, leaving the cleaners to wipe away the mess

While Bryan tests the golf courses in Dubai, Kerry can give herself time to gather her thoughts for her next verbal attack on fellow celebrities.
The popstar turned TV presenter launched an astonishing attack on David & Victoria Beckham for courting publicity and being ridiculous and in her time has also laid into Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and glamour model Jordan, with whom she is touted to be sharing a tent with in the Australian jungle later this month in the new series of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Also taking part are wife-beater Stan Collymore and Alex Best. God help the animals."

13th Jan

THAT Bryan McFadden's really pushing new boundaries these days.

Despite losing loads of weight on the Atkins diet and cutting down his portions, the Westlife singer still reckons he could beat the world record for hotdog eating.
The current record is held by someone who ate 50 of the little sausages in12 minutes.But in the February issue of Loaded magazine Bryan scoffs: "I could beat that easily - I mean, not huge hot dogs but normal sized. That's easy."
It can be arranged...

source - The Mirror
13th Jan

Jodi and Kians no-marriage pact!

"WESTLIFE star Kian Egan and girlfriend Jodi Albert have made a pledge of love to each other -but agreed not to get married. The couple have decided to establish their own careers before tying the know and Hollyoaks star Jodi, 20, has vowed she does not want to become just a pop star's wife. She has told her family she is too young to have children and wants to make her way as an actress before settling down

Kian has seen three pals from Westlife walk down the aisle, most recently Shane Filan, who married Gillian Walsh, Nicky Byrne who married the Taoiseach's daughter Georgina Ahern and Bryan McFadden who got hitched to former Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona 2 years ago. Jodi - who plays Debbie Dean in the Channel 4 soap, had a heart-to-heart with her father on Christmas Day, admitting she did not want to become Mrs Kian Egan - yet. George Albert, who lives in North London with Jodi's mother Eileen, said: "Jodi and Kian are smitten with each other but they are both very sensible. Often marriages between normal girls and pop stars do not work because of the fame thing, but Jodi and Kian are both talented in their own right and they will both continue to flourish in their own careers".

Kian, 23, fell for Jodi fiver years ago when she was a member of the female band, Girl Thing but the pair started dating only last May, putting an end to the Irish singer's womanising. In the past he was linked with glamour model Jodie Marsh and Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon. He spent Christmas with his family in Ireland before heading out to London to spend St. Stephen's Day with Jodi and her family. The couple flew back to Ireland the next day but almost missed Shane's wedding. "Jodi and Kian were quite hangover when they had to get to Stansted," said Mr. Albert. "They missed their flight and had to hire a car to fly to Heathrow, where they arrived just in time to jump on a plane. They had a great time at the wedding but it certainly has not changed their minds about getting engaged," he added..."
 

13th Jan

Shane's tears for his princess Bride  By Paul Martin

Newlywed Shane Filan staged the most spectacular wedding party ever held in Ireland in honour of his Beautiful bride Gillian.
He astounded guests with an enormous fireworks display that lit up the sky for miles around a laser light show that lit the lake at Ashford castle in a romantic glow. -a Gourmet meal prepared by top Chefs -a personalised CD for everyone as a keepsake of the occasion -unlimited champagne and cocktails at an all night free bar, and a touching speech which dissolved into tears of love.

I was the only journalist invited to the reception staged in a massive marquee where Shane and Gillian's closest friends and family partied the nigh away until 6am. From huge fireworks displays to a laser light show, nobody was left in any doubt that Sligo lad Shane had staged a party worthy of his superstar status.
But the biggest moment of the night came when the singer broke down in tears and paid tribute to his new wife. Leaning towards Gillian he said "I just wanted to say that you look like a princess today, seeing you coming down that aisle was the most amazing moment in my life and putting that ring on your finger-I cant describe a love like that" Shane then thrilled the gathering when he performed an impromptu version of Amazed by Lonestar. before breaking down in tears. The singers touching speech left many guests teary eyed. Just before dinner was served, huge curtains were drawn back to reveal a stunning view of the lake at night.
While the newlyweds, both 24,watched on an array of laser lights placed around the lake began swirling and spinning in in time with a haunting soundtrack.
It was just one of many treats which the couple laid on to celebrate the biggest night of their lives. A luxurious five course meal was served which started with meuille feuille of chicken and mushrooms. This was followed by cream of roasted vegetables soup with herb croutons and freshly baked bread, next up was a fillet of beef with roasted shallots on truffle oil with a red wine and rosemary jus. The meal was rounded of with a selection of classic desserts and home-made chocolates iced with Shane and Gillian's Initials. At each place setting there was a personalised Cd with the guests name imprinted on it, and a Christmas themed caricature of the happy couple. In keeping with the Christmas theme the Cd included hits like 'Santa baby' and 'let it snow' Each table was also called after a famous Christmas song.

As the laser light show came to an end Shane and Gillian took to the dance floor as they serenaded each other to dirty dancing hit (I've had) the time of my life. Shane then waved his guests to join them and among first to join them was Bertie and his estranged wife Miriam.
Guests were treated to a free bar where bottles of champagne and cocktails followed all night, Shane's Westlife band mate Bryan McFadden was king of the dance floor all night as he strutted his stuff to the live band. His wife Kerry, Westlife Kian Egan and girlfriend Jodi Albert also partied the night away on the dance floor, Sitting close by was Ronan and his Wife Yvonne who described the night as one of the best showbiz weddings ever. He said "Shane has won much respect for what he has done tonight, its been a  night where everyone has had fun because Shane is such a generous, genuine down to earth guy"

At 1am Shane and Gillian led the guests along a walkway tot he side of the lake where a spectacular 15 minute firework display lit up the sky. Shane couldn't hide his delight at how well the celebrations had gone and he told me "Its been a dream come true and its all passing too quickly, just looking out there at the dance floor and seeing everyone having a great time has made Gillian and I so happy" By 5am many of the guests were still partying as the champagne flowed.
When a  Michael Jackson medley came on Shane treated guests to some of his Jacko moves including moon walking and spinning and even the band manager Louis Walsh got into he party spirit as he hit the dance floor. Just before dawn Shane and Gillian retired to the honeymoon suite. Later this week they will jet off to Hawaii for their honeymoon. All the celebrities agreed it had been a night to remember and Kerry McFadden added "This whole thing has left me completely speechless, Shane and Gillian are such a perfect couple" Westlife star and Groomsman Kian Egan added "Shane is such a generous guy and I think everyone tonight has seen what a caring nice guy he really is"

Source- Irish Mirror
12th Jan

West-strife

It could be another spanner in the works for pops most loved-up couple, Bryan McFadden and Kerry McFadden. Porky popstrel Bry has warned his big-hearted lady love that she mustn't flirt with any "good looking men" while taking in part in the new series of jungle-based reality TV show I'm A celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

The Westlife wonder fears Kezza may try to get her own back on his cheating ways before their marriage by having a jungle tumble with one of her celebrity contestants. He told the Star: "I'm dreading Kerry going to Australia...Last year, Phil Tufnell had a girlfriend back home but that didn't stop him and Linda Barker - who was married - striking up a real chemistry out there."

Well, you can't really blame the fella. Fellow contestant and ex-EastEnders, ahem, heartthrob Dean Gaffney is also going to be there, and who could resist him, right ladies? Ladies?

source -  www.bbc.co.uk/totp
12th Jan

Final lineup for 'Im a celeb'

FORMER soccer hardman Neil "Razor" Ruddock was named last night as the final contestant for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.

NEIL 'RAZOR' RUDDOCK: FORMER Spurs and Liverpool soccer star who had a reputation as a hardman. But is he tough enough? 

JENNY BOND: BBC'S former royal correspondent who is often said to be more regal than the royals. 

JOHNNY LYDON: WENT AWOL before signing contracts. If he lays off the Guinness and makes it to the airport he'll be a hit. 

ALEX BEST: EX-MODEL and TV presenter. Her time with George Best should help her deal with any drunken antics. 

PETER ANDRE: THE forgeotten pop star with the six-pack. Time to find out if those sparrow legs rumours are true. 

DIANE MODAHL: FORMER champion athlete who fought to clear her name after being accused of taking drugs. 

LORD BROCKET: CLUELESS Nice But Dim toff who was once jailed for attempting £4.5 million insurance fraud. 

JORDAN: She's being paid more after producers begged her to sign. Her 32FF in a bikini might be worth it. 

FRANK CARSON: COMIC Frank, 77, was originally dropped over health insurance problems but is now reinstated. 

KERRY McFADDEN: BLONDE former Atomic Kitten mainly known for large breasts and terrible TV presenting. 

source -  News Of The World web site.
12th Jan.

AND SO LONG...
Wealthy Weddings

Multi millionaire Westlife crooner Shane Filan proved that money can't buy taste at his recent lavish wedding to Gillian Walsh. The roly-poly  warbler wore a white suit better suited to a 1970s themed cheesy disco that 'the happiest day of his life'. Have celebs learned nought from the costly farce that was the Bennifer?

source - Metro ( 9th Jan)
10th Jan

THAT Bryan McFadden's really pushing new boundaries these days.

Despite losing loads of weight on the Atkins diet and cutting down his portions, the Westlife singer still reckons he could beat the world record for hotdog eating.The current record is held by someone who ate 50 of the little sausages in 12 minutes.But in the February issue of Loaded magazine Bryan scoffs: "I could beat that easily - I mean, not huge hot dogs but normal sized. That's easy." It can be arranged...

source - the sun newspaper
10th Jan

Kerry is so catty to Geri

 She may have left Atomic Kitten years ago but it looks as though Kerry McFadden's claws are still as sharp as ever. The pop star turned TV presenter has hit out at Geri Halliwell, accusing her of being weird, false and looking like a child. Kerry said: "Anything that Geri wears is weird and wearing an Alice band shows that she dresses like a little child.
"She was totally false when I met her and she's only famous for being famous, really.
"It's getting incredibly boring. She doesn't actually do anything except go to parties." Kerry, who is married to Westlife's Bryan McFadden, went on: "In every photo I see of Geri, she's either popping zits on her face, parading some writing on her a**e, or carrying her dog in her handbag." And Kerry hinted that fellow ex-Spice Posh is no better.
"Geri is weird. She just reminds me of Victoria Beckham."

Source: www.mirror.co.uk
7th Jan

Quick Q's With Shane

The festive season was extra special for Shane Filan this year. Not only were Westlife celebrating another huge alb, but he got married too. Sweetie Shane wed his Childhood love, Gillian Walsh, in a traditional Irish ceremony at Bullintubber Abbey in Co Mayo on December 28. The lads will be back in February with a new single - tipped to be Obvious - 'til then, Shane faces our Q's...

What do you find rally boring?
"I find a lot of music at the moment boring. There's a lot of rubbish artists out there at the moment which shouldn't be. About 40% of what's on the radio at the moment, shouldn't be."

Best compliment you've received?
"I suppose if someone says you're looking well or you sang brilliant. If someone you know or someone you look up to says you're a good singer."

What do you always carry in your pockets?
"A credit card, a bank card and a phone. I always lose the key for my security gate. You can't open it with your hands either. You're meant to have a buzzer outside the front door but I don't. I'll have to sort that out in my new house."

What do you need to kick-start your day?
"Something nice to eat. Whether it's a bacon sandwich or whatever, it just has to be hot. If I have cereal, I have it with hot milk. Roasting hot milk and your tummy is all warm - I'm loving it."

What do you crave most in the world?
"I love chips. Any chips will do. And me Mam's cooking - bacon, cabbage and mashed potatoes with parsley sauce all over and a bit of brown sauce with a pint of Guinness. I love it. Love brown sauce."

Source - Channel 4 teletext page 381
10th Jan

ROCK & POP - Fiona Shepherd

A NEW Year brings some certainties in the music world - Celtic Connections will light up a dull January, the Glastonbury festival will sell out before you can blink, Westlife will embark on another tour, again rumoured to be their last - as much as the annual question of whether or not Kate Bush will ever release another album.

Source- Scotsman.com
10th Jan

T.O.T.P Awards - Westlife

Band of the year - 4th runner-up
Best official site - 3rd runner-up
Best fan site (Westlife-luvers.net,) - 4th runner-up

Source- TOTP
10th Jan

Obvious coming next

On February 23rd 2004 Westlife will release their next single 'Obvious', the third song to be taken from Turnaround. Definitely one of the album's standout tracks, Obvious has an instantly memorable chorus, the band's vocal performance is superb and reminds the listener just how Westlife have got this far. It's a simple love song beautifully executed by Westlife doing what they do best.

'Turnaround', Westlife's fifth album went straight into the number one spot in it's first week of release and has shipped a million copies in the UK alone. Packed with epic style anthems, chunky guitars, sing-a-long choruses, beautiful melodies and the trademark leg trembling Westlife vocals, the album also features the massive hit singles Hey Whatever and Mandy.

Westlife's success to date is incredible. They are the only recording artists in the history of the awards to win the prestigious Record of the Year three times. They have performed to over a million fans on three sell-out arena tours to become the biggest selling arena tour act ever. They have sold over 32 million records globally; had five multi-platinum albums in the UK alone; scored a record breaking 12 UK number ones, picked up two BRIT Awards and an MTV Europe Award.

Standing stronger than ever, Bryan, Kian, mark, Nicky and Shane will commence their biggest world tour yet with their massive arena shows confirmed as far as Cape Town, Beirut, Tokyo and back home across Europe. All before they head back into the recording studio in the summer when they'll start creating their sixth album. it looks Obvious from here, 2004 is going to be yet another hectic year for this record-breaking act!

Source - westlife.com
 9th  Jan.

Galleries updated

Check out the Band section on the official Westlife site to see some new group and individual shots of the guys, taken at the end of 2003. The new pics come from a variety of events, including HMV signings, the 5 year anniversary party at the Irish Embassy in London, German promo and more.

The band are currently taking a bit of time off whilst Shane enjoys his honeymoon, but they'll be back before you know it with next single Obvious due for release on February 23rd.

Source - westlife.com
9th Jan.

 Westlife newly wed Shane Filan is set to fill his mansion wit Five Kids, Hunk Shane and His gorgeous young bride Gillian Walsh have revealed that children will complete their fairytale world. The glamorous couple whose lavish wedding was last week in Ballintubber abbey and Ashford castle was the stuff of movies, are looking forward to starting their family away from the spot light, Singer Shane is hoping to become a Dad in the next year or so "Hopefully we'll have one or two children in the near future and  id like to have four or five because I've grown up in a big family" he says.

The award winning pop performer has already pre planned the couples Hollywood style 2million euro mansion on the outskirts of Sligo town to accommodate their large brood. The palatial mansion has seven bedrooms and the top floor is a massive open plan games room, complete with its own cinema. "We decided to build the rooms now rather than adding them on after" Shane told the Sunday world in an exclusive interview.

8th Dec.

Kian name toppled in baby names list

Outside the top 50, there is Kian, boosted by Kian Egan of Westlife,  Logan, Wolverine's name in the X-Men movies, and Mackenzie, as in The Office's Mackenzie Crook.

source - BBC News
8th Jan

Motown stars to give Westlife a new spin        January 04, 2004

WESTLIFE are planning to record with some of Motown’²s greatest  artists for their next album. The Irish band have already enlisted pop diva Diana Ross,
who is hoping to top the British music charts in time for her 60th birthday on March 26. Louis Walsh, the bands manager, is planning to approach Stevie Wonder,
Gladys Knight and Mariah Carey to appear on the Motown tribute album.
Other names being mentioned are Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow, whose song Mandy recently gave Westlife their ninth chart success in five years.

³This is something that the band really want to do,’´ said Walsh. ’³We don²t have a finalised list yet but we are looking at some big names and we will be starting the album in March or April’´ Walsh said Diana Ross was the first to commit to working with Westlife.
’³Diana is looking for a No 1 record because her 60th is in March. She’²s on tour in Britain and it is a great opportunity for her to get together with the band and record a hit single. We don²t know if it will be one of her songs yet.’´ Steve Mack, the band’²s producer, is currently writing new songs for the album and studio time has been booked from March.

’³It will be a great album said Walsh’³Recording with Diana is a great way to start it off.’´ Ross is coming to the Point in Dublin in March, 16 days before her birthday. While Westlife''s critics will cringe at the prospect of the band recording saccharine versions of 1960s hits, former Motown stars are likely to be  only too pleased to team up with the band to score chart hits. Stevie Wonder recently appeared in the British pop charts performing his hit Signed, Sealed & Delivered with the boy band Blue. Carey has already recorded  with Westlife. Against All Odds was slated by critics and recently appeared  in a list of the top 20 all-time worst pop songs.  Ross shot to fame with Motown group the Supremes. Their first No 1,  Where Did Our Love Go?, paved the way for the band to become the most  successful girl group of all time.

The Supremes had 12 No 1 hits from 1961 until they split up eight years later. Ross went on to achieve solo success with hits such as Ain²t  No Mountain High Enough.  Last year, however, she attracted headlines for the wrong reasons after  being arrested in America on drink-driving charges.

source The Sunday Times - Ireland
7th Jan

White wedding for Westlife

Christmas time wouldn't be complete without a Z-list wedding. And the end of the year honour goes to Westlife's Shane Filan.
See the attached picture if you're not sure which one he is.
Filan tied the knot to his childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh on Sunday and both were wearing white, reports The Sun. Fascinating.
The boy band attracted the usual set of fans who stood around in the rain to catch a glimpse of the 24-year-old and his pals.
Westlife band mates Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Bryan McFadden and his wife Kerry were among the 500 guests at Ballintubber Abbey in County Mayo, Ireland.
Even their idol Ronan Keating and his wife Yvonne, turned up to hear the nuptials. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern also put in an appearance, probably because his daughter Georgina is married to Westlife's Nicky Byrne.
Are they secretly trying to muster their way into politics? Or are they really the Irish mafia, hurting their enemies by opening their mouths.

source Mega Star
6th Jan

WESTLIFE IN TOP 20 WORST POP SONGS

The Cheeky Girls record Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum) has been voted the worst pop song of all time. The novelty hit beat Sir Cliff Richard's Millennium Prayer to top the list unveiled by Channel 4.Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum) reached number two in the charts in December 2002 and sold 800,000 copies worldwide.
But the British public voted it the "worst crime against music" in a countdown of 100 contenders.

The Millennium Prayer, Sir Cliff's Christmas record, was second and Agadoo by Black Lace came third. Surprise entry at number four was the 1997 version of Candle In The Wind, which Sir Elton John rewrote for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. J-Lo's single Jenny From The Block, in which she claims to have remained an ordinary girl from the Bronx despite her lavish lifestyle, was 10th place.

Top 20 Worst Pop Songs:

1 Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum) - Cheeky Girls
2 The Millennium Prayer - Cliff Richard
3 Agadoo - Black Lace
4 Candle In The Wind 1997 - Elton John
5 Fast Food Song - Fast Food Rockers
6 Mr Blobby - Mr Blobby
7 Because We Want To - Billie
8 Barbie Girl - Aqua
9 Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
10 Jenny From The Block - Jennifer Lopez
11 Orville's Song - Keith Harris and Orville
12 Look At Me - Geri Halliwell
13 Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini - Bombalurina featuring Timmy Mallett
14 (Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams
15 Sacred Trust - One True Voice
16 Against All Odds - Mariah Carey and Westlife
17 Who Let The Dogs Out - Baha Men
18 5, 6, 7, 8 - Steps
19 Living Next Door To Alice (Who The F**k IS Alice) - Smokie feat Roy Chubby Brown
20 Anyone Can Fall In Love - Anita Dobson
        

source - Yahoo! Music Launch
5th Jan

Faux-punk rascals Busted are now the latest darlings in British pop, and, frankly, in the current scene of dirty hip-hop and saucy R&B, the goody-two-shoes pop shtick is getting stale.

Westlife and Blue are growing old and, well, too big for their breeches too. Why, both groups have even gone for the roughed-up leather and denim get-up on the CD covers. Turnaround may have been Westlife's aim on their fourth studio album, but the Irish lads' agenda is squarely 'old school', somewhere in the back rows in kindergarten. Now in their middling 20s, the moppets are stuck in the quagmire between adolescence and adulthood.

Turnaround is the collective sound of five Mama's boys who have been mollycoddled into well-behaved passivity; and are realising their luck may be running out soon. Singing Papa's old songs doesn't help. A meat-and-potatoes cover of Barry Manilow's Mandy starts the proceedings, with Bryan, Mark, Shane, Kian and Nicky coming together in perfect, if rather unremarkable, harmony. They also manage to expose the mush in rock group Mr Big's classic To Be With You, cluelessly trying to deliver grit and sentimental dross in equal measure.

Thankfully, there are a few audacious stabs at sonic diversity. The Bon Jovi-like cavalier anthem rocker Hey Whatever is rousing testimony that if given free rein, Westlife have more gumption than given credit for. But the most telling song is the last track, What Do They Know? Beneath the Disney-ish feel of the syrupy ballad are some rather bitter sentiments: 'And when all the lies are dead and gone/We'll still be here/We'll prove them wrong.' In comparison, the Blue blokes are more diplomatic.

Masters of public relations, they have been busy hooking up with veterans such as Elton John, as if hoping to imbibe credibility through osmosis. On their third album Guilty, Duncan, Lee, Simon and Antony even manage to get soul legend Stevie Wonder and songstress Angie Stone to sing on Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours.

Clearly, Blue are determined to show they are no flash in the pan. For the most part, this means they have to sound more street and American soul than your average effete pop chipmunk. They emulate Justin Timberlake in the not-bad retro-disco Rock The Night, and try to get funky with a barrage of shout-outs and half-spoken cameos in How's A Man Supposed To Change?. The whole routine borders on savvy calculation, but isn't it nice to know that these guys are aiming beyond Manilow and Mr Big?

Source - Straits Times
5th Jan

MTV Asia - Win albums and T-Shirts!

Let the five Irish lads from Westlife welcome you into 2004, because they are January's Artist Of The Month! Kick start your year with some pop sounds and gear, for MTV Asia has five Westlife albums and T-shirts to give away to lucky ones who can answer the question below. Hurry, send in your entries now!

Closing Date: January 31, 2003.
Entry Form  Question: Name Westlife's latest album.

More information: http://www.mtvasia.com/Funstuff/Contests/WestlifeAOM/index.html

source MTV Asia  credit - Bonnie
5th Jan

So solid's Harvey has reignited the collective's long running feud with Westlife. At the 2002 brit awards, the groups clashed when Bryan McFadden challenged So Solid Crew to a fight. Harvey clearly hasn't forgotten. At last months clothes show live in Birmingham, he said: Westlife are a bunch of arrogant b*******s and they have got nothing to be arrogant about. They are the most pathetic band in pop.'
Fighting words Harv.... over to you Westlife...

source - Ok mag
4rd Jan

Gillian's story.

Although I may have kept Shane waiting for a while I actually managed to leave right on time-at 2pm But on the way down to the abbey we encountered some traffic so I had to keep him waiting a little longer. The nerves were running rampantly through my stomach as I waited to arrive at the church on the horse-drawn carriage. As I walked through the doors I suddenly saw Shane's back. He was dressed in his white jacket and I instantly felt calm and couldn't wait to get down to the altar to see him. It was the best feeling of my life. The church looked like a dream, like something out of a fairytale. We knew it was going to be covered in candles and ivy but none of us could imagine how stunning i would look on the big day. It was truly breathtaking. When we left the abbey and were driven towards Ashford Castle in Louis Walsh's Bentley there were amazing scenes. All the locals in the surrounding villages and lined the streets and lit bonfires in their gardens for us. It was a magical moment. They were cheering and waving at us. The fans deserved to see the big day and we are so grateful for their support.

When we got to Ashford Castle it looked amazing. Shane and I had a room in the tower which was done up with candles, flowers and filled with wedding gifts. We went up to the room for a while before the reception started and one of the first things that caught our eye was a gift from Mark Feehily, It was a huge crate full of countless bottles of Kristal champagne. We couldn't believe it. My bridesmaid got us the most gorgeous gift ever, two crystal engraved champagne glasses which were specially brought over from Australia-they were gorgeous. We can't thank Ashford Castle enough for what they did for us, especially Monica, who made sure we were treated like royalty. We have never been treated so well. I also want to thank Fiona Todhunter who did a fantastic job with the bridesmaid dresses.

My sister Joanna made all the jewellery for the bridal party. She was also chief bridesmaid she had so much to do and was really incredible. I, like Shane want to thank Joanne Byrne who made sure the day was a dream come true. She planned and prepared everything and we will be forever grateful to her. When we finally left the reception at 4.30am we spent half an hour just sitting in our room talking about what an amazing day it had been.

We are the happiest couple alive.


Shane's story

I always knew my wedding day would be special but I never expected it to be so magical and full of love and emotion. Gillian kept me waiting a while at the altar but that added to the excitement and the traditional style of the service. he had told me she would arrive 15 minutes late but, in the end, she was actually 25 minutes. Those extra 10 minutes were full of nerves, excitement and magic. I was actually glad she was a bit late because it built the excitement, just like you see at all the best weddings.

I knew she had arrived when I heard the screams from the fans outside. But I didn't want to look around until she was stood beside me. After I heard the Abbey doors opening, I could see the expression of delight on the people's faces in front of me as she walked down the aisle.I knew because of that she must have been looking incredible. At the very last minute, when she was right beside me, by brother and best man Finbarr gave me a nudge in the side. When I turned around there was the love of my life looking like a million dollars.

I had no idea what the dress was going to be like and I didn't even know she was going to wear a veil. Thankfully I had seen enough romantic movies to know what to do, lift the veil and give her a kiss on the cheek. The abbey was the finest church I ever been inside in all my life, There were 2,000 candles lit in total which made it look so magical. Fr. Dominic Gilhooley spoke so well throughout the mass, I wanted to thank him especially. He was so kind with his words to us, so cool and calm throughout the service. It put both Gillian and I at ease.

The moment when we exchanged rings was the most amazing experience of my life. I started to cry and got very emotional. It was the moment I had been waiting for all my life and I couldn't take it all in. The feeling of love I had for Gillian at that moment was indescribable. The minute we got married, we said "Oh my God, we're married." We keep saying things to each other like "You are my wife " and she would whisper back "You are my husband". We will always be like kids with each other till the day we die. I got a special wedding gift for Gillian which I arranged to have hidden under her pillow the night before the wedding.

I bought her a diamond Franck Muller watch from Paul Sheeran jewellers in Dublin. Initially we had arranged to have the watch for the day but I knew it would be a great surprise for Gillian if it was her watch for ever. When we got out of the abbey the fans were everywhere. I can honestly say the day would not have been as good for me without all the fans there and I felt honoured they all turned up. The reception was incredible. The fireworks display was unbelievable. I expected it to last three or four minutes and it went on for 20. It was like something you'd see in Disney World. I want to especially thank Joanne Byrne from Presence PR. She did a stunning job. It was the first wedding she had panned and she made all our dreams come true. We gave her the ideas but she made them happen, and more.

My brother and best man Finbarr was also incredible. I want to thank him because he was there beside me every second of the way and kept everything under control. And our wedding DJ Terry Duffy kept everyone dancing until 6am, he was a legend and I've been a big fan of his for a year now since Gillian introduced me to him. Paul from Corporate Solutions looked after the lighting for us, which was one hell of a job and he should be thanked too. We still can't believe it has happened, we woke up in each other's arms yesterday saying, "Was that really real?"

4th Jan.

Sinead Calls Louis Walsh A 'Cruel Vampire'

SINGER Sinead O'Connor has launched a blistering attack on pop impresario Louis Walsh in response to his claims last week that she wasa "wasted talent" and is" difficult". In what has become an acrimonious and deeply personal feud between two of the biggest names in the music industry, Ms O'Connor makes a devastating critique of Walsh, of boy bands and of the You're a Star instant fame phenomenon.

"You have been a slave-driver of young people," she writes. "I have seen the way you work them. And you are gonna get burned." Replying to his remarks in last week's Sunday Independent, denounces the chauvinism of the pop industry. Yesterday, Louis Walsh refused to respond, saying: "I'm not going to retaliate, it's not worth it. It's too easy to slag her off." She rails against the "nastiness and cruel ignorance" of Mr Walsh, who created Boyzone and still manages Westlife, Samantha Mumba, Girls Aloud and Bellefire, and calls him "a vampire".
"There must be a heart in there somewhere," she says. "Who squashed it with cruel talk, so that you bully every time you open your mouth to speak?"

She tells Walsh: "You have single-handedly taken the soul out of Irish music and danced a vampire dance upon it." Of the artists in his stable, she says they "can't even sing in their own accents. Because of you, scores of young people want 'fame' so much that they are prepared to humiliate themselves by coming on crap shows like the awful one you are involved with."

O'Connor is angry at the treatment handed out to young hopefuls. "They have themselves subjected to abuse from you and other C-list so-called 'celebs' who seem to have no ability to respect the soft hearts of people who need love so much that they think fame is how they will get it." In an interview with Barry Egan in last week's Sunday Independent, Louis Walsh said of Sinead O'Connor, "I do love her music but I think she's difficult," and described her as "a wasted talent". In response, she writes: "You do not know me, so you presume that singing was my only talent. I am a mother first and foremost. And that is my premier talent."

Last week, O'Connor had phoned Walsh to ask him to explain his remarks. "When I rang you last Monday to ask how you could know if I am professionally 'difficult', you stated that you don't know, but someone told you. So what are you doing making like other people's opinions are yours?" she writes in today's Sunday Independent. "You are a vampire, Louis Walsh. God of a vampire business, a fake reality. A false God with no apparent soul of your own to feed upon. And seemingly no bleedin' mind of your own either," she blasts. Ms O'Connor - who once tore up a photograph of the Pope during a live TV performance, infuriating Catholics worldwide - writes that "difficult" is a term generally used by men who expect women

"And when we do not, these men label us with words like 'difficult', 'deranged' and 'crazy'. As if we must be crazy not to be afraid of the likes of ye. If my being difficult makes me the opposite of what you think easy is, then I am proud of the label and I want you to know something. I am way more intelligent than a bunch of chauvinists like you and your cronies could imagine a mere woman to be," she says. Ms O'Connor says that in the music industry, managers "encourage us to sell our souls to the media to make money for them and the business of music. But they ain't yer friend when you're in the **** for what they encouraged you to do." Addressing Louis Walsh, she suggests: "You might have a good look at your soul in some mirror and, in future, not be such an utter bitch, and instead of nastiness and cruel ignorance coming out every time your mouth opens, maybe something of some actual constructive use may be done by you in interviews. You do come across as being very stupid when you go on as you do. And it's very bad forbusiness.

"You do not advertise your services well. It's all very three-star,if I may say so. Who would want to be managed by someone who badmouths his clients when he has dumped them after what he calls their sell-by date?" she asks
She concludes: "So . . . I am proud of being a 'difficult' woman,thank you. And as for wasted talent, you should take a good look in a mirror."

source -  Sunday independent  Written By Jerome Reilly
3rd Jan

The UK Top 40: CBBC Viewers' Vote

In case you missed the show on New Year's Eve, here's the UK Top 40 for 2003 as voted for by you! We had thousands and thousands of votes, and  there's a few surprises - check out the chart below and have a listen to your favourites.

 
1. Busted - Crashed The Wedding
2. Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love?
3. Shane Ritchie - I'm Your Man
4. Will Young - Leave Right Now
5. Blazin' Squad - Flip Reverse
6. Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love
7. Westlife - Mandy
8. Beyonce - Crazy In Love
9. S Club 8 - Fool No More
10. Rachel Stevens - Sweet Dreams My LA Ex
 
source - www.bbc.co.uk
3rd Jan

SHE may have left Atomic Kitten years ago but it looks as though Kerry McFadden's claws are still as sharp as ever.
The pop star turned TV presenter has hit out at Geri Halliwell, accusing her of being weird, false and looking like a child.
Kerry said: "Anything that Geri wears is weird and wearing an Alice band shows that she dresses like a little child.
"She was totally false when I met her and she's only famous for being famous, really.
"It's getting incredibly boring. She doesn't actually do anything except go to parties."

Kerry, who is married to Westlife's Bryan McFadden, went on: "In every photo I see of Geri, she's either popping zits on her face, parading some writing on her a**e, or carrying her dog in her handbag." And Kerry hinted that fellow ex-Spice Posh is no better.
"Geri is weird. She just reminds me of Victoria Beckham. "Er, over to you, Geri.

source - The Mirror
3rd Jan

Shane breaks loads of fans' hearts

Following in Bryan and Nicky's footsteps, there is one more member from Westlife got married and found his "Mandy" for the rest of his life.
It's not easy for the lead singer Shane to spare his time from the hectic  promotion schedule to make his dream come true.  Finally, he tied the  knot with Gillian Walsh and the newly-wed couple hit the headlines on all the newspapers in the UK and Ireland.  There were over 350 guests to attend their wonderful Irish wedding ceremony and hundreds of fans were appealed to see the couple.  The castle is the same place where Pierce Brosnan wed two years ago.  It was the oldest church in Ireland built over 800 years ago.  Westlife is a very successful boyband this year.  Besides their single "Mandy" and the current album "Turnaround" got No.1, "Mandy" was voted as "Record of the Year" and the album "Turnaround" is one of the best-selling albums in Taiwan.  It proved that Westlife still keep the throne of singing ballads. 

Owing to overload work and tour concerts, Westlife seldom have time for a rest.  This year, the lads have their own Christmas holidays to stay with their families.  Bryan not only performed for children in a hospital, but also met his little fan - a seven-year-old boy who suffered from cancer.  Bryan became Santa claus this Christmas.  However, the happiest event but made a lot of fans jealous was Shane and Gillian's wedding in Ireland on 28th.  Reuters, BBC and Sky News have reported the fantastic wedding.  Shane and Gillian knew each other when they performed a musical in college. Gillian is Kian's cousin.  Shane and Gillian
started to date in 2000.  They hid their relationship from public since Shane was a member in a pop boyband.

Last Christmas, Shane proposed to Gillian in a beach full of stars over the sky.  Then, they have a love commitment with each other.  After one year, they got married because they both wanted to have a Christmas wedding.  Now, Shane is the third lad in Westlife who got married. Everyone felt the wedding warm although it was chilly and raining in Ireland that day.  350 guests presented the wedding and hundreds of fans witnessed the couple's happiness outside the church.  Apart from Shane's group members, his ex-manager, Ronan Keating also appeared in the ceremony.  Shane and Gillian's wedding was held in Ballintubber Abbey which was built in 1216.  The most special thing was that unlike Nicky's wedding, Nicky sold his photos to the magazine "Hello".  Shane would like to share his happiness with his relatives, friends and fans.  There was no limitation for public to take photos but he rejected the offers from celebrity magazines.  He even welcomed all his relatives' requests to take photos with him.  Then, they celebrated their wedding in Ashford Castle which the movie "The Quiet Manwas" was filmed two years ago and many celebrities used to be the castle's guests. Moreover, the coincidence was the actor, Pierce Brosnan, and TV journalist, Keely Shaye Smith chose the same abbey and castle to have their weddings as Shane.  After the wedding, Shane and Gillian will head for Hawaii for their honeymoon.  Westlife are taking a break in the short period. 

Westlife's current album "Turnaound" is still on the top 10 position in UK chart.  "Mandy" is the "Record of the Year".  Westlife received the award two times before and this year they even beat Black Eye Beans.  Besides, they were voted as "Best International artist" in Smash Hits.  Apart from the success in the UK, the album "Turnaround" is selling very well in Taiwan.  It is on N0.1 in many sales record charts such as G-Music and Asia.  Westlife proved again that they are still popular in Taiwan and have the strong power of singing ballads.

Source: BMG (Taiwan) Credit - Bonnie
3rd Jan

Artist of the month and Showtime

These five Irish lads don't know it yet, but many newborn girls will probably be named "Mandy" after the Westlife single of the same name.

Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Bryan McFadden, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily are the boys who form Westlife. Once managed by former boy band alumni Ronan Keating, they have since surpassed the level of success set by their predecessor Boyzone. Westlife's honours include eight U.K. No. 1 singles, seven of which have hit the top spot consecutively, winning the MTV Best UK And Ireland Act Award in 2000, and winning Best Pop Act at the Brit Awards in 2001.

The band's eponymous debut dished out ballads like "Swear It Again," which rose to No. 1 in the U.K. Their smooth vocals, coupled with their pleasing looks, made them instant idols overnight. In their debut tour in 2001, the boys played to a sellout audience for 11 nights at Dublin's The Point. Proving that they could sing just as well in "live" performances, Westlife went on to give 80 shows across three continents, making critics and detractors sit up and listen.

It wasn't long before Westlife gained the respect of their peers in the industry, such as Mariah Carey, who collaborated with them on the cover of Phil Collins'
"Against All Odds." The boys also progressed to develop their song writing abilities, writing five songs on the album World Of Our Own. When American Idol winner Ruben Studdard sang "Flying Without Wings" to victory, Westlife's status as pop icons was cemented.

Westlife's new single "Mandy" has since won Record Of The Year in the U.K., making it Westlife's third win after "Flying Without Wings" and "My Love." As a testament to their immense popularity, the band has also come up tops as recipients of the IMA People's Choice award for the third time. Their latest album
Turnaround moved 150,000 copies in its first week of release in the U.K., knocking off Michael Jackson's Hits album from the top.

Perhaps, it is Westlife's dedication to their music that has led them to outlive other boy bands. As Kian says, "The passion and love we have for Westlife is still 100%... Westlife are going to keep going as long as the fans and the band are still enjoying it; at the moment we're loving it."

With the overwhelming support of fans from around theworld, it looks like Westlife will have many more No. 1s on their hands!

Source: MTV Asia  credit - Bonnie
3rd Jan

Shane Gets Married

Westlife's members start their new lives and families one by one. After Bryan and Nicky got married with their lovers, 26-year-old Shane tied the knot with 23-year-old Gillian Walsh yesterday.

Yesterday, Shane got married with his long-term girlfriend, Gillian, in Ballintubber Abbey in Co Mayo, Ireland, where Pierce Brosnan wed two years ago. Many newspapers and glossy magazines wanted to pay for the right to take their exclusive photos of the ceremony.
In order to have a personal and warm wedding, Shane and Gillian rejected the offers from these celebrity magazines. All the groupmates of Shane presented the wedding and Gillian worn the dress designed by Vera Wang.

Source - The Sun (Hong Kong)  Credit/Translated by - Bonnie
1st Jan

Shane breaks hearts with new Westwife

Westlife star Shane Filan broke innumerable teenage hearts yesterday when he signed up for the wedding band.

Among the 380 guests attending the lavish reception bash at Ashford Castle was Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his wife Miriam. Last year, the couple's daughter Georgina married Nicky Byrne in a French chateau with a celebrity magazine paying €850,000 for the photo rights.
"They are a lovely couple," Byrne said of Shane and Gillian Walsh. "I'm
really looking forward to having a great party." Shane arrived, on time, at Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo, in a gleaming Bently. His bride was a fashionable 20 minutes late and opted for horse and carriage transport to the church.

After the ceremony the couple posed for photographs, thrilling media and 200 fans who travelled from every part of the country for the showbiz hitch.
"It's not every day you get to attend a ceremony like this in an 800-year-old abbey, it's been a lovely day," said Mr Ahern as the guests milled from the church to the reception. Guests, including Ronan Keating and Louis Walsh, were asked not to give the couple presents but, if they wished, to make a donation to the North West Hospice. Shane popped the question while he and Gillian were on holiday together in Dubai last year.

The Westlifer's elder brother Finbar acted as best man. Music at the strictly-behind-closed-doors wedding party scheduled to go on until some time this morning was not provided by chart-topping Westlife. Instead, Shane was understood to have laid on another band, complete with its own DJ. The couple are building a sprawling €1.5 million house in Sligo. The house will have seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, a dining room to seat almost 20 people, a gym, sauna, snooker room and everything else you would expect of a pop star's palace. The couple's marriage footsteps retraced those of 007 star Pierce Brosnan who choose Ballintubber Abbey and Ashford Castle for his wedding in 2001.

source -  www.irishexaminer.com
1st Jan. 2004
 

Westlife star Shane ties the knot  - Maureen Coleman

WESTLIFE'S Shane Filan was today preparing to jet off on honeymoon to Hawaii after marrying long- term girlfriend Gillian Walsh in a romantic winter wedding.

Sligo-born Shane became the third member of the chart-topping Irish band to tie the knot when he exchanged vows with his childhood sweetheart yesterday. The pair wed at historic Ballintubber Abbey, but celebrated later in the luxurious lakeside splendour of the nearby Ashford Castle hotel. Shane popped the question while he and Gillian were on holiday together in Dubai last year. The Westlifer's elder brother Finbar acted as best man at the ceremony in Ballintubber Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century.

Westlife's Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, who are also from Sligo, acted as groomsmen. More than 350 guests turned out to see the happy couple wed, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and wife Miriam, Louis Walsh, and Ronan Keating and wife Yvonne. The bride shone in a strapless embroidered white dress, while Shane wore a stylish cream suit. The groom endured a nervous half hour wait before Gillian arrived in a white horse-drawn carriage. Her five bridesmaids were driven to the country church in silver BMWs.

After the ceremony, Shane and Gillian posed for photographs in the doorway of the church. The event marked the first Westlife wedding since last summer's occasion in a French, rather than an Irish village, when Nicky Byrne married Georgina, one of Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern's two daughters.

Up to 200 noisy Westlife fans stood in the icy-cold but mainly bright weather outside the Abbey to catch a glimpse of their favourites and cheer them into and out of the church. Following the nuptial mass the happy couple and their guests journeyed to Ashford Castle, where they partied until 6am this morning.

Source -  Belfast Telegraph
1st Jan

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