Westlife to split

The end of the road for the Irish boyband...

08:36 20 October 2011

Irish boyband Westlife have announced that they are to split after 14 years together.

The group broke the news via a statement, explaining that the decision was "entirely amicable" and Kian, Shane, Mark and Nicky all want to have a "well-earned break":

"After 14 years, 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top 5 albums, 7 of which hit the top spot and have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world, 10 sell out tours and countless memories that we will forever cherish, we today announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year. 

"We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans. We are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time."

The band also thanked their fans for their support, saying:

"Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band.  Westlife are a family.  We would like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too."

Westlife will release their Greatest Hits on 21 November and plan to embark on a farewell tour in May 2012.