Shane Filan to launch solo career

Irish singer Shane Filan is set to be the first member of Westlife to release a solo album when the band splits later this year.

The Flying Without Wings hitmakers will break up after 14 years together when their current tour ends in June.

According to the Daily Star, Filan will release his debut solo record after striking a deal with bosses at Universal music. Westlife's manager Louis Walsh will oversee Filan's new career.

His bandmate Mark Feehily is also making plans to record his own music, while Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan will focus on TV projects in their native Ireland.