Westlife to split after 14 years together

Irish boyband Westlife have revealed they will be splitting after 14 years together.

That isn't before the Flying Without Wings singers release a greatest hits collection at Christmas and embark on a nine-date farewell tour in May 2012.

In a statement, the band said: "Today we announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year.

"The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures."

They added that Westlife are like a family and that they never knew they would still be together after 14 years.

Westlife have enjoyed 14 number one singles in the UK since forming in 1998. Bryan McFadden left the group in March 2004.

The band also holds the Guinness World Record as the most successful chart act of all time, achieving seven number ones with their first seven singles.