Mark Feehily has announced that he is quitting Westlife after 26 years due to ongoing health issues.
In a lengthy post on social media, the 43-year-old explained that he was admitted to ICU in 2020 for treatment of sepsis following surgery.
In the time since Feehily has also suffered from pneumonia and a large hernia, in addition to undergoing three major surgeries, and now he has decided to step down from the boyband in order to prioritise getting well.
He told followers: "It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.
"Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.
"To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you'll knock it out of the park. I'll be there with you in spirit for each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world.
"But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don't worry. Sending the most positive vibes in your direction, I will see you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx."
The remaining members of the group - Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne - are about to embark upon their first ever tour of the US and Canada.
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