Coming home for Christmas: Mark Feehily on readjusting to life after Westlife

As Westlife ended, Mark Feehily also split up with his long-term boyfriend. He admits it took time to readjust, but is very much back on track, with a new album, solo gigs and a support slot for Mariah Carey, writes Esther McCarthy.

FIVE years ago, Mark Feehily stood alone in his Sligo home, looked around him, and reflected on what he would do with the rest of his life.

Westlife, the band he had grown up in, who had sold a massive 50m records worldwide and had 14 UK number one singles, were calling it quits. At the same time, his long-term relationship was coming to an end, and Feehily was understandably feeling vulnerable.