Fact or Fiction

(4th April '05) Shane's wife Gillian is pregnant?
Fact - Yes, it's true, Shane's gonna be a daddy! The happy couple are expecting their first baby in June.

(8th December '04) Shane's wife Gillian runs a shop in Sligo?
Fact - Shane's sister runs the Morgan clothes store in Sligo, but Shane's wife Gillian also runs a shop in the town. Sisters Gillian Filan and Joanna Walsh have recently opened a new shop called Anna Rose. The shop sells the latest jewellery designs handmade by Joanna, in addition to hats and bags. Gillian is looking after the marketing and promotional end of the business.

(17th October '04) Brian and Kerry are getting a divorce?
Fiction - Brian and Kerry are having difficulties in their relationship and they no longer live together. However, they are trying to work things out, they're not divorcing yet, although Kerry has moved into a new house to be nearer her mother.

(30th March'04) Westlife are splitting up?
Fiction - Bryan has left the band, but the rest of the guys aren't going anywhere (except on tour!) so don't worry! Westlife aren't splitting up, they are currently on their fourth world tour, and are planning to record a fifth studio album later this year.

(30th March '04) Kian recently split up with his girlfriend?
Fiction - Nopes, sorry girls, Kian and Jodi are still together and very happy!

(16th March '04) Bryan has left Westlife?
Fact - Yes, Bryan has decided to leave Westlife. Read the full story on our news page.

(16th March '04) Bryan is managing a rock band?
Fact - Yes, Bryan is manager of South African group Franklin. He spotted the group while on honeymoon in Sun City in 2002. Since then he has been busy writing and producing songs with the band. He has already showcased the band to family and friends including Westlife at Precious nightclub in Belfast. Apparently major record companies including BMG, Universal and Polydor are interested in Franklin, and they're being tipped for the big time!

Westlife are making a movie?
Fiction - Although there have been rumours about a Westlife Movie, no film is planned right at the minute. It hasn't been ruled out entirely though so watch this space!

Shane is car-mad?
Fact - Sunday People reports that Shane Filan is so obsessed with his new black Ferrari 575 Marenello that he washes it for no reason. He said, "It's my dream car and I've worked hard for it."

Kian has a swanky bachelor pad in London?
Fact - The Sunday Mirror reports that Kian has bought a flat in Fulham, West London. A source close to the 22-year-old star is quoted as saying: "Kian spends a lot of time in London and wants the place to be luxurious, with lots of candles everywhere, so he can feel really at home." However, Kian does also own properties in Ireland along with the rest of the band.

Bryan had his phone stolen?
Fact - Bryan had his new picture mobile phone, which contained treasured photos of daughter Molly and wife Kerry Katona, stolen while on a promo trip to Germany at the beginning of November 02. Bryan complained: "The phone has become my photo album for pictures of Molly and Kerry when I'm on the road. It was stolen at the start of a long trip and has put me off ever going back to the country. I feel that angry."

Kian and Jessica have split up?
Fact - According to recent newspaper reports (in the Sunday World, 20th october 2002) they are no longer dating.

The Carlton Cafe is no more?
Fact - The Carlton Cafe, run by Shane's parents Mae and Peter Filan for over 30 years in Castle Street, Sligo, closed its doors for the last time earlier this year as both parents retired. However, Shane’s older sister, Mairead, has launched a new fashion store, 'Morgan', in place of the cafe. Work on the project to transform the cafe into a shop, which was partly funded by Shane, is now finished. The Filan family have run the cafe since the mid 60s. The family originally lived above the cafe and all six of Shane’s siblings, including the Westlife star, had worked in the restaurant at some stage.

More mini-mcfaddens on the way for Bry and Kerry?!
Fact - Bry recently told reporters he would like to have three or four kids altogether but added that he hadn't yet discussed numbers with Kerry. He confirmed that the couple are trying for more kids and said "we would love to give little Molly a brother or sister sooner rather then later."
UPDATE!! Kerry announced on 29th July 2002 that she was expecting the couple's second child, due in February 2003. Apparently the baby was conceived in the same hotel room as daughter Molly (Room 308 at London's Chelsea Conrad Hotel!). Bryan explains: "Westlife were in London on tour and Kerry had come to see me for the night before flying back to Dublin. A month ago she started feeling sick. We got a home pregnancy test and when Kerry came out of the bathroom smiling we screamed and hugged each other. It was the best feeling—just like when we knew we were going to have Molly. But this time we definitely want a boy. I want him to play soccer for Ireland when he grows up. We can't wait for our new addition." Bryan has also revealed that the family are selling their two Dublin apartments and buying a £1million farmhouse "with loads of land for the kids to play in."
[above info thanks to Diana from Russia, Marisa, Louise & Jennyfer]

Bryan is launching his own rock band?
Fact - Yes, Bryan is launching his own rock band. Apparently he's going to manage, produce and write for the band. He says he's decided to branch out because he doesn't just want to be a singer in a boy band. "I'm not just a boy band robot. The new band is secret at the moment as it is early days but I am really excited about them."

The guys were told to lose weight if they want to make it in the U.S.?
Fiction - According to a British tabloid, Kian, Shane, Nicky, Mark and Bryan have been put on a strict 5-week diet and exercise regime. But Kian said: "We all had a good laugh at that story because it's complete rubbish. Our weight has never been an issue. In fact we are in pretty good shape now because we are performing every night." In fact, Westlife now have a new package in place for their assault on America. Bob Jameson the head of RCA records has made the group an offer of an American contract. "This is the big break we've been looking for", Kian commented.
[Info from the Irish Sunday World, June 2, 2002, thanks to Laura]

Westlife are smuggled on stage in boxes for the 'World Of Our Own' In the Round tour?
Fact - It's true! The lads squeeze into Trojan Horse Equipment Boxes to get to the stage each night. "Westlife's stage is round and in the middle of the venue. We have to hide the band in these large equipment boxes and make it look like we are pushing equipment to and from the stage each night" said an insider. So far Westlife have been getting away with their plan but with only one drawback - apparently Shane is claustrophobic and gets stressed when he's hiding inside his box, bless!
[Info from the Irish Sunday World, June 9, 2002, thanks to Laura]

Bryan and Kerry are splitting up following a tabloid report that Bryan cheated on Kerry?
Fiction - Bry and Kerry have been going through a rough patch but despite newspaper rumours, they are not splitting up. Check out the full story here.

Kian, Shane & Shane's girlfriend Gillian all live together?
Fiction - Shane himself says, "the three of us all live at home with our parents, so there's no funny business goin on there!"

Westlife are releasing a greatest hits album?
Fact - It's true! The guys are releasing a Greatest Hits album to launch themselves in the USA later this year. The album will of course be released in the UK (and probably a number of other countries!) and will also include a number of new tracks.

Westlife magazine is closing cos the Westlife are splitting up?
Fiction - Westlife Official Magazine is closing, but it's because Westlife are going to be too busy touring the world and promoting themselves in the USA to have time for in-depth interviews with the magazine.

Westlife are releasing a Greatest Hits album and then splitting up?
Fiction - Not at all! Kian spoke about the rumors of the split to the The Sligo Champion saying, "Any suggestion that we are about to split is absolute rubbish. We are working hard on a third album which will be released before the end of the year, and we plan at least two more studio albums and a number of other projects. We'll be together as long as the fans want us." Nicky added, "A greatest hits does spell the end for a lot of bands, but we've just signed a renegotiation for more albums with the record company. We're enjoying it and we're still making good music."

Nicky has left the band to be with Georgina?
Fiction - Nicky and Georgina have got married, but Westlife will be together for a long while yet!

Westlife have changed religions since they're too busy to go to Church any more?
Fiction - The guys haven't converted religions at all!

Westlife are gay?
Fiction - Despite many rumors, the guys are not gay, so don't worry girls! However Kian insists that the band are gay-friendly and welcome their legions of homosexual fans. Kian says, "It really doesn't make a difference. Fans are fans and people are people. I've met some gay guys who I wouldn't want to hang around with and I've met loads who are sound."

Gillian is Kian's cousin?
Fact - Yes, Gillian Filan (nee Walsh) is Kian's cousin. Shane and Gillian have known each other since they were children as Gillian lives in Sligo.

Kian's bought a new house in Sligo?
Fact - Kian confirms that he's bought a new house.. but it's not for himself, it's for his family! He says, "I just bought a house. Well it's actually for my parents, but I have to give something back don't I? I'm a long way from beating Michael Owen, he bought a whole street for his family, didn't he? But I've got three brothers and three sisters so it could take me a bit longer."

Shane is leaving Westlife cos he's signed a 6-album solo record deal with RCA?
Fiction - Shane recently commented that he had no idea where that story came from and said there's no truth at all in the rumor that he's singed a solo record deal. He said: "Let me reassure Westlife fans everywhere that there is no truth in that story. I have no idea where it came from. I mean, look how silly it would be. At the moment we're in the middle of recording our new album. We've only done one world tour. There's still another five or six to do. Things have never been better in the Westlife camp. We're selling millions of albums and our next one is shaping up really well. Next year we'll also release a Greatest Hits album."

Mark's leaving Westlife?
Fiction - This story is completely, utterly untrue. There have been a few rumors flying around the internet stating that Mark told the press last week that he will be leaving Westlife due to the fact that he no longer wants to be a "role model" and because he is fed up with all of the rumors regarding his sexuality. These stories have no valid source and are completely false! Don't worry, Mark has no intention of leaving Westlife!

Westlife have cancelled their US promo tour this year?
Fact - Due to Arista (Westlife's US record label) being short-staffed, Westlife have had to cancel their US promo tour that was originally planned to take place this summer (2001). At the moment there is no date set for a new US promo tour.

Bryan's is a dad?
Fact - Yep, Kerry gave birth to Molly Mcfadden on September 1st 2001, and both Bryan and Kerry are delighted parents! You can read more about it on the news archive page.

Kerry left Atomic Kitten because of her pregnancy?
Fact - Yes, Kerry left the band on Febuary 5th 2001 after she finished promoting their latest single... Atomic Kitten's management issued a statement saying "The Kittens team is a very close-knit family and we were all thrilled with the news of Kerry's pregnancy and completely understand her decision to put the well-being of her unborn child first. Being in Atomic Kitten is a 24 hour a day hectic way of life which really wouldn't make for a stress free, relaxed pregnancy." Kerry hopes to make her future career in television presenting.

Westlife recorded the Comic Relief charity single for 2001?
Fact - Yup, Westlife followed in the footsteps of Boyzone and the Spice Girls by releasing Uptown Girl in aid of UK Charity Comic Relief in March 2001.

"Angel's Wings" was going to be the 2000 Christmas Single?
Fiction - It was but Westlife's record company have decided to release What Makes a Man instead cos (apparently) they were bombarded with letters from fans asking them to release What Makes a Man.

The Video and interviews for Against All Odds were taped at different times?
Fact - They only had a small bit of time while they were touring in the US to record some with Mariah, and then they finished it up about a month later. You can see the difference, if you look, the time between the tapings was also the same time Bryan and Kian changed their hair styles.

Georgina is pregnant?
Fiction- Georgina is not going to be having a baby (yet).

Shane is dead?
Fiction - Shane is in no way shape or form dead. His knee is hurting a little, and he had to sit out one performance, but he is not dead.

Mark didn't get his own interview on the Against All Odds enhanced single?
Fact - Mark was only out with Mariah and the group for one or two days and then he had to rush back home to be with family, because the recordings were done at the same time as his grandfather's death.

Bryan dated Kerry Katona (from pop group Atomic Kitten) secretly for a year?
Fact - Bryan admitted to the fact that they were going out for a while, and had kept it a secret, for the basic fact that he wanted to have some privacy in his life for a while. Bryan and Kerry planned to get married early in 2002.

Bryan dyed his hair brown?
Fact - While Westlife were in Brazil in August Bryan cut and dyed his hair brown see pic BUT since then Bry has had blond highlights put in his hair so it's kind of blondish-brown right now! see pic

Kian stopped dying his hair, and it is brown again?
Fact - Kian has streaked his hair, and cut it shorter, but it looks great. However he is thinking of dying it back...


Westlife have their own dolls?
Fact - Westlife caricature inflatable dolls were given away free with July's Top of the Pops Magazine in the UK, but Westlife do have their own proper dolls coming to a store near you soon!! No ordinary dolls, they come with a nifty singing mechanism which kicks into action when you squeeze their tummies!!

Shane just bought seven horses?
Fact - As you probably know, Shane's family buys and sells horses. When Shane returned from the US tour at the beginning of August, he bought seven horses, costing £35,000! He says "originally I was only going to buy one. Then my brother Liam said he thought I should buy all seven. Liam thinks they could be worth £40,000 each in a few years' time so I see it as an investment. Money is there to be spent and I love it that I am helping the family business."

Ronan quit the position as Westlife's manager?
Fact - It's true, officially Ronan is no longer Westlife's manager, although he does still keep in close contact with the lads.

Westlife are not going to do any more covers again, ever?
Fact - They are not going to release any more covers as singles (after releasing "Against All Odds" which is a cover of a Phil Collins song), however this does not mean they will not record any more covers as b-sides or album tracks...

Westlife are recording two tracks from their debut album into Spanish?
Fact - They recorded 'When You're Looking Like That' and 'I Lay My Love On You' in Spanish, both tracks are available on the Spanish and Latin American releases of the Coast to Coast album.

Mark can't sing live?
Fiction - I have seen Mark sing live, and no he has no problems, he looks and sounds great up there, especially acappella.

Kian owns two porsches?
Fiction - Kian's passed his driving test on July 14th 2000 (congrats Kian!), but although he's apparently planning to buy himself a porsche he doesn't have one yet!

All of them except Nicky smoke?
Fiction - Apparently Bryan used to smoke in the past but none of them smoke now, their manager (Louis Walsh) wouldn't let them even if they wanted to.
All the guys wear power beads?
Fact - All the lads have power beads, most of them have a few sets, as they were given to them as presents by fans. Bryan's fave pair has a wooden cross hanging off of them...

Kian is related to Mariah Carey?
Fiction - No, Kian is NOT related to Mariah Carey.

Mark is dating Mandy Moore?
Fiction - Mandy herself has denied that she is going out with Mark - she and Mark have not been on any dates - the rumours were spread by Shane, they're just rumours, not true!

Mark couldn't make it to the Mariah Carey and Westlife duet recording of Against All Odds because of his grandfather's death?
Fiction - he left and went to the recording and then went back home.

Nicky, Mark, Shane, Bryan and Kian have personal e-mail addresses?
Fiction - They do not have personal e-mails, because they do not have the time and/or energy to keep up with it.

The Guys are surgically attached to their cell phones?!
Fact - They are always on their cell phones, calling home at least 2-3 times a day, their phone bills are normally approx. £1,200 a month!

They signed a contract stating that they were not going to get married?
Fiction - Although they made a verbal agreement, they didn't state that they were not going to marry: they said that they were too young either way, and that even if they were to marry they would be staying with the group for a long time.

They draw all over the tables during signings?
Fact - they always draw on the tables, and practice their autographs, in fact Mark and Bryan are very good at cartoon drawings.

Mark is scared to death of birds, and snakes?
Fact - he was seen in a pet store a couple of months ago, jumping away from a snake Shane was holding, and Bryan is always remarking on how he is scared of birds, and runs away from them like a little baby!

Bryan and Nicky can bark like dogs?
Fact - I am sure everyone knew of Bryan being able to bark like a dog, but Nicky has been seen imitating a dog, with a beanie baby dog given to him by a fan.