And now the hit Irish band have recruited the very best from the modern pop era as they prepare to make a comeback six years after they split.
I can reveal that none other than Ed Sheeran is the mastermind behind Westlife’s reunion — and has secretly co-written the group a shock new single.
The band, who have sold more than 55million records together, drafted in the superstar as they plan on repeating their Noughties success by targeting the younger generation with their new music.
A source explained: “Westlife have really been pulling out all the stops for their big comeback and were desperate to get Ed on board. It took quite some time to pull together and has been done totally behind closed doors, but he has finally given them the right record to make it happen.
“Having Ed involved is a huge coup. They think he will give them a contemporary edge for their reunion. They have already recorded the song and are delighted with the results. They’re just pulling together the final promo details including a video before they unveil it. It’s going to be huge.”
The surprise collaboration comes after The Sun revealed yesterday that the boys had signed a new deal with Universal.
The lads will return as a four-piece as they were when they parted ways in 2012, with Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne. Brian McFadden quit the group in 2004 and has since had a fractious relationship with his former bandmates.
Just last year, their manager Louis Walsh told The Sun that he had targeted Ed and James Arthur to provide new material for Westlife, adding: “I want to give them notice to write some really good songs.” And Rita Ora, Liam Payne and Justin Bieber will testify that Ed is the go-to man for hits — having all released successful Sheeran-penned material.
If Westlife’s track is anything like his previous tunes, it’s sure to be a smash hit.
Dakota axes shade-y past
FIFTY Shades’ Dakota Johnson left grey far behind her at Saturday’s LA premiere of her film Bad Times At The El Royale.
She chose a flowing pink gown to launch the thriller, which is out in the UK on October 12 and also stars Jeff Bridges, Chris Hemsworth and Jon Hamm.
Although Dakota is yet to make her red carpet debut with Coldplay boyfriend Chris Martin at her side, the singer was with her in spirit.
The pair, who have been together for about a year, have matching infinity tattoos on their arms.
No pressure for that relationship to work, then.
Wedding Bellas for DJ Greg
CONGRATULATIONS to Greg James who has tied the knot with journalist girlfriend Bella Mackie Rusbridger.
The Radio 1 DJ announced on Instagram yesterday: “Bella and I got married and it was the most incredible day of my life. I think it was up there for her too.
“She is the best thing ever and I feel like I might actually burst with happiness.” The long-term lovers wed at Tavistock House in Camden, North London.
It has been a good couple of months for Greg who took over from Nick Grimshaw as Radio 1 Breakfast show host last month.
With such a demanding new role, it’s great Greg has such a good support system.
bizbit
Sam Smith has apologised for pulling out of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas after a vocal “scare”.
He tweeted: “Everything is OK but I need to rest this week in preparation for the start of Asia tour.”
Rat Ben's TV bid is out of t-Una
LOVE rat Ben Foden was deluded enough to think he could do better than Una Healy – by romping with a PR girl behind his wife’s back earlier this year.
And now the England rugby ace is set to infuriate his estranged wife further, in an unlikely way – by trying to follow in The Saturdays star’s footsteps and become a singer. The sportsman has signed up to appear on BBC1’s All Together Now, hosted by Spice Girls legend Geri Horner.
Ben will be seen putting his vocal skills to the test in a one-off celebrity special as he sings alongside the likes of Towie’s Gemma Collins and Love Island’s Amber Davies. An airdate has not yet been released.
A source said: “Ben has always had a bit of a thing for singing. He spent years following Una’s pop career and he always said it was something he fancied having a go at himself at some point.”
At least the TV stint will give him a distraction from his womanising ways.
Scarlett is going solo
OVER a tumultuous year, Scarlett Moffatt has remained loyally at the side of Ant and Dec.
But the former I’m A Celebrity winner is now going her own way – after splitting from the management firm that represents the duo.
Scarlett who presents the jungle spin-off, has parted company with the James Grant Group, which also represents Take That and Holly Willoughby. A source said: “Scarlett felt like her and James Grant weren’t the right match so decided it was best for them to go their separate ways. There’s no bad blood whatsoever and they came to the mutual decision.
“Scarlett’s looking forward to what the futue has to hold and is considering setting up her own management company.” She’s obviously got big plans.
bizbit
SHAWN MENDES, CAMILA CABELLO, RITA ORA and TAYLOR SWIFT are in Capital FM’s new TV advert. The ad – out today – also features CRAIG DAVID weather presenting and ANNE-MARIE boxing.
We can sea you, Justin
THEY were rumoured to have wed but that hasn’t stopped Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin practising the art of sea-duction.
The couple kissed on a yacht and took a dip off Italy’s Amalfi Coast on Friday.
Last week Justin serenaded Hailey outside Buckingham Palace.
He knows how to woo the future Mrs Bieber.
Ambassador Rihana
RIHANNA paid a surprise visit to French President Emmanuel Macron last year and her political ambitions haven’t ended there.
The superstar singer has landed a role in the government of her home country of Barbados. RiRi will promote tourism, education and investment in the Caribbean island as an “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary”.
It means the star, full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, will be referred to by Barbadian officials as Ambassador Fenty.
In a statement she said she “couldn’t be more proud to take on such a prestigious title,” adding: “I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to re-imagine Barbados.”
Rihanna has launched successful cosmetics and lingerie lines and helped raise over £1.7billion for global education — all in the last year.
instaglam
LOUISA Johnson swaps The X Factor for factor 50 as she frolics in the sea in a bikini.
bizbit
JUSTIN THEROUX has broken his silence on his split from JENNIFER ANISTON after two-and-a-half years of marriage.
He said: “It was kind of the most gentle separation in that there was no animosity.”
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