Mark Feehily forced to 'stand down' from Westlife tour after undergoing fourth surgery in four years

The 43-year-old said he had a surgery in August 2020 which led to him getting “severe sepsis”.

He “became very ill” again in late 2021 before he had more surgery in May 2022 which was followed by another surgery some months after.

The singer told fans in a social media post today that it is with “the upmost level of regret” that he has taken the decision to temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until he has fully recovered.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 28th

He told fans that he was “rushed in A&E” in the days that followed his first surgery in August 2020, where he was told he had developed “severe sepsis” and would require emergency surgery.

"I spent the next few months in hospital,” he said, detailing the difficulties he faced as a patient during lockdown.

"It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU. I was eventually discharged from hospital in December 2020 but I have had ongoing medical problems as a result of it all.”

He told fans that he became “very ill” before a concert in Newcastle in 2021 as a result of pneumonia and required further surgery in May 2022.

The singer said he tried to “soldier on” for his fans and return to touring following that surgery but that the “physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel” took their toll.

He developed “a very large incisional hernia” that again required surgery.

"This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option. That surgery took place recently and thankfully it went according to plan but with that, my recovery must now become my absolute priority at this time.”

He added: “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.”

He thanked his bandmates, medical staff, family and friends for their support, including his young daughter and partner Cailean for “being there through the most challenging of times”.

“I’m so devastated that I won’t be there to celebrate the upcoming concerts with you and the 3 lads.”

He told fans that he would see them “very soon” and the decision was the right one for his health.

"Westlife forever,” he said.