Nicky said he and the others - SHANE FILAN, MARK FEEHILY and KIAN EGAN - made a deliberate effort not to mention Bryan during the concert.

He said: "If we keep mentioning him on stage it will only make our fans think we aren't moving on and that's what we have to do. As far as Westlife are concerned, Bryan's dead and gone. Personally we all still speak to him - I was texting him this morning. But he has made his decision and it's a fresh start for us as a foursome. We've all been like brothers for the past five years and not having him around now is different - but there is no point dwelling on it."

The show at the Odyssey Arena was a typical Westlife affair with costume changes, cover songs and fireworks. But there was no sign on stage that the band missed Bryan and the fans didn't seem to be in mourning either. They loved it.

The boys did mention the split during their gig, but only to thank their record label bosses, manager LOUIS WALSH and their families for their support. Bryan's name was never uttered.

Nicky, who admits he's found it hardest to cope since Bryan left earlier this month, also claimed it was the "kick in the a**e" the band needed to keep them at the top of the charts. He added: "I wouldn't say we were getting complacent, but we did need to raise our game.