Westlife wish Mark well as tour goes on

Feehily

WESTLIFE have broken their silence after Mark Feehily announced he was stepping back from the band because of ill health.

The star, 43, shocked fans on Wednesday when he revealed he was taking time out to focus on recovering from his fourth surgery in four years.

Westlife’s remaining members Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan said the show must go on and praised the Sligo star for going on stage previously when he was not 100%.

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.

RETURN

“He must now focus on getting better so he can return to stage when he is fit and well to do so!”

They reassured fans: “In the meantime, we will continue to fly the Westlife flag higher than ever for you guys. Love Nicky, Shane & Kian x.”

Meanwhile, Westlife’s manager Louis Walsh remained tight-lipped on the news when contacted by us yesterday.

Mark revealed on Wednesday he’s going through hell trying to get better and is trying to recover from another surgery – this time from a “very large incisional hernia”.

The dad-of-one pulled out of the American tour, saying the “physical demands” of the concerts and extensive travel proved “too much” for him and so he would “temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring”.

He posted: “Believe me, I wish things could be different.”