WESTLIFE have issued an update on their missing bandmate Mark Feehilly, after his string of health setbacks.
The Irish star, 45, has been absent from the boyband’s 25th anniversary tour due to being too unwell to take part.
Mark’s health battles began in 2020, when he contracted Sepsis following a routine surgery, leading to him spending several months in intensive care.
The singer was then diagnosed with pneumonia in late 2021 and has since undergone four major surgeries to address complications from his initial illness.
Today, the remaining three Westlife stars – Nicky Byrne, 47, Shane Filan, 46, and Kian Egan, 46 – appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about their world tour, and they were asked about how Mark was doing.
“He’s ok, he’s taking a step back at the moment,” Shane replied.
“He’s on the new music which is great, he’s on Chariot obviously as well, but no, not with us on this one…
“He’s good and he sends his love to everybody and to all the fans too.”
Meanwhile, Mark previously posted a heartfelt message to fans about missing the tour.
“Heya! A little message from me to you from the heart. It’s been so long, sorry about the lack of posting… I’ve missed ya!” the singer said at the end of December.
“It’s been quite difficult to watch my band’s big World Tour launch knowing I won’t be able to be there with you all to join the party.
“However, it’s been really amazing to see our band still flying so high, and the incredible global support that’s still there for us. YOUR support!
“That same phenomenal support you have blessed us with from day ONE in Sligo back in the late 90s & as we slowly but surely went on to build the Westlife legacy piece by piece for over 3 decades, literally thousands of days and nights together on stage and in studios and on trains, planes and automobiles, is something that blows my mind to this day, something I am so proud to be a part of.
“The 25th anniversary tour is going to be a really special celebration of what we have all built and achieved together!”
Mark went on to thank his fans for all of their unwavering support before revealing he still isn’t well enough to get on stage for the world tour.
He continued: “All of this really drives home the honest truth that I’m simply not ready to take on a massive world tour yet.
“My body and my mind need time.”
Along with Kian, Shane, Nicky and former bandmate Brian McFadden, 46, Mark found fame with Westlife in the late 90s.
The boyband were an immediate success and smashed out hit after hit, including songs like Flying Without Wings and Swear It Again.
Brian quit in 2004, and the band continued as a foursome.
Westlife decided to split in 2012, but reunited six years later and have been touring together ever since.
