Ex-Westlife star reveals fears of flying solo

Former Westlife star Shane Filan has revealed his fear of following dozens of boy band members into solo artist obscurity after two years of bankruptcy hell.

The singer spoke to the media yesterday before his solo TV debut at last night’s Rose of Tralee.

Followed by a documentary crew filming his bid for fresh stardom for a show he hopes will be aired later this year, the Sligo native said he was “nervous and anxious” about the step into the unknown. However, he said losing millions of euro during Ireland’s property collapse — including the keys to his family’s home — has taught him to focus on the positives of life.

“Most people who’ve come out of boy bands have failed,” he said. “If the truth be told only two or three have succeeded — Robbie Williams, Justin Timberlake, Ronan Keating. I was Shane with no second name for 15 years, so how is it going to go?

Ask me in a year and I’ll tell you. I’m in a more positive place and all that happened is part of my story.”