28 February 2024 , 17:54
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Westlife's Mark Feehily has announced he is quitting the band in a shock announcement.
The singer, 43, took to his social media to share the sudden news on Wednesday evening. Westlife is made up of Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Nicky Bryne and Mark and they were set to embark on their first US tour in a matter of days. Taking to the band's official account on Instagram, Mark shared a lengthy message. He said: "Hello and much love to you all! It's Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while. It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into A&E.
"I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe "Sepsis", a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU."
Mark has opened up on his ill health (Getty Images)
His Westlife bandmates supported him following the annoucement (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)Mark shared he was discharged from hospital in December 2020 but has had ongoing medical problems ever since. He continued: "In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in A&E, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December. I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour.
"Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me. I developed a very large 'incisional hernia' and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option."
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Thankfully, the surgery went according to plan but Mark said he needs to now focus on his recovery. "It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual," he shared. "Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years."
He went on to thank his loved ones and the medical team who had supported him. Mark added: "To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you'll knock it out of the park. I'll be there with you in spirit for each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world."
He admitted: "But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don't worry. Sending the most positive vibes in your direction, I will see you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx."
The band are due to perform in North America next month (Luke Taylor / SplashNews.com)Following Mark's emotional message, Kian, Nicky and Shane shared their own. In their joint statement, they said: "We would like to take this opportunity to send our brother, best friend and fellow bandmate, Mark, so many well wishes as he takes the necessary time he needs to recover.
"Mark has been so strong in continuing to show up on stage despite going through such a turbulent time with his health and we completely respect that he must now focus on getting better so he can return to the stage when he is fit and well to do so! In the meantime, we will continue to fly the Westlife flag higher than ever for you guys."
Fans have since sent their support to Mark, with one writing: "Hey Mark, sending you lots of love and support during your recovery. While we're sad you won't be on the upcoming tours, your health is the top priority. Take the time you need to heal, and we'll be here eagerly waiting for your return." A second penned: "It is with great sadness that I receive this news, my heart is broken. We will miss you very much here in Brazil, even more so after more than 20 years without setting foot here. I hope you have a speedy recovery and get back to doing what you love soon. We love you, Mark! Take care of yourself!"
Another went on to write: "Oh, Mark, I'm truly shocked to hear about this. Your well-being always comes first. Please, no apologies are needed. Wishing you a speedy recovery, and we're sending lots of love your way."
Westlife are set to head on a world tour starting in Canada next month, as well as stopping off in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Last year, Mark pulled out of Westlife shows in Denmark, Sweden, Mexico and Cardiff. At the time he urged fans: “There is nothing to worry about I promise. But under doctor’s orders, this surgery needs to happen sooner rather than later and will also require some recovery time throughout the summer."
In 2022, Mark missed a series of shows due to pneumonia. His bandmates made sure he wasn't missed as they took along a cardboard cut out of Mark on stage in Liverpool. A snap from one fan close to the stage showed the lads joking and laughing alongside their new cardboard band member. At the time, Mark admitted he was going "bonkers" as he was forced to skip the tour.
Just one year prior, Mark sold his four-bedroom property for over the asking price of €1.15 million in 2021. The singer, 43, snapped up the stunning Sligo home that sits on the edge of Lough Gill in 2006 and spent years redesigning and renovating the countryside abode.
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Mark, who shares his daughter Layla with fiancé Cailean O’Neill, oversaw every stage of the refurbishment - from drafting plans by hand for the builders to follow to sourcing furniture and sanitaryware. His hard work clearly paid off, as with the help of estate agent Sherry Fitzgerald, The Masked Singer star was able to sell the property for over its asking price just two months after putting it on the market.