Kian Egan and Westlife Cast Their Hands at 3Arena Ahead of Record 82nd Show

Key facts

• Westlife will have played 82 shows at Dublin's 3Arena by the end of their September residency, a venue record.
• Kian Egan first met Jodi Albert in 1999 when he was 19 and she was 15, but they began dating four years later.
• Egan proposed on Christmas Day 2008, and the couple married in Barbados in 2009 in a ceremony reportedly costing €1 million.
• Mark Feehily will not join the 25th anniversary tour due to health issues, including a battle with sepsis in 2024.
• Westlife released a new single 'Your Love Amazes Me' and will release the album '25 - The Ultimate Collection'.
• The band's hands were cast for a plaque at the 3Arena on Friday morning.

A Record-Breaking Residency at the 3Arena

Westlife is set to cement their legacy at Dublin's 3Arena with an unprecedented 82 shows at the venue, a milestone that surpasses any other act in history. The band members — Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne — had their hands cast for a plaque that will be displayed at the Liffey-side location, commemorating their 25-year journey. The ceremony took place on Friday morning ahead of their 13-gig residency in September. Filan recalled the early days, when the band performed at the venue for a Childline event and wondered if they would ever headline their own show there. 'Obviously we’re looking back now 25 years later,' he said, reflecting on the achievement. The plaque will immortalize their hands 'in the pavement forever,' as Filan put it.

A Love Story That Began at a Festival

Kian Egan's personal life has also been in the spotlight, with his romance with actress and singer Jodi Albert capturing public attention. The pair first met backstage at Party in the Park in 1999, when Egan was 19 and Albert was 15. Egan recalled pointing Albert out to Simon Cowell, who warned him off, saying, 'No, no, no kiddo!' Despite the age gap, they flirted throughout the day, but Egan noted that 'love couldn't blossom for them immediately' because of her youth. Four years later, when Albert was 19, they crossed paths again, but she was in a relationship — reportedly with former A1 singer Ben Adams. Albert later confessed to sharing a kiss with Egan while still with her boyfriend, describing it as 'only a little kiss' that was 'obviously leading to a lifelong thing.' The couple eventually got together and married in a lavish ceremony in Barbados in 2009, a decade after they first met.

A €1 Million Wedding in Barbados

Egan proposed to Albert on Christmas Day 2008, and the couple tied the knot in Barbados the following year in a ceremony that reportedly cost €1 million. The island held special significance for them, as it was their first holiday destination together in 2003, just eight weeks into their relationship. Egan described Barbados as 'a bit like Ireland' in its friendliness and laid-back atmosphere, which made it the perfect wedding location. The wedding marked the culmination of a decade-long journey from their first meeting, and the couple has since built a family together. Their story has been a staple of Irish entertainment news, symbolizing enduring love amid the pressures of pop stardom.

Mark Feehily's Absence and the Band's Future

Westlife's 25th anniversary tour will proceed without Mark Feehily, who stepped back from performing in 2024 due to a battle with sepsis. Feehily was involved in recording the band's latest single, 'Your Love Amazes Me,' which was released last month ahead of the album '25 - The Ultimate Collection.' The album will feature classic hits like 'You Raise Me Up,' 'Uptown Girl,' and 'Flying Without Wings,' along with new recordings. Filan confirmed that the decision to tour without Feehily was made with his blessing, though he acknowledged the disappointment. 'Of course it's very disappointing he's not here for the tour but it is a moment in our life of 25 years that we couldn't miss,' he said. The band will embark on a two-year world tour after their Irish shows, with dates in Belfast, England, Scotland, Wales, Paris, Germany, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and more.

Fan Encounters and Homecoming Pride

The band members expressed deep gratitude for the support they have received from fans, both in Ireland and abroad. Byrne recalled a memorable incident when Louis Walsh walked in on him while he was changing for a gig, accompanied by a group of Mexican fans who had flown from Acapulco. 'I was standing there in my boxer shorts,' Byrne said, laughing at the memory. Egan emphasized the importance of success in their home country, saying, 'It’s one thing being successful around the world, but being successful in your home country there is something just a bit more special about that.' Filan echoed this sentiment, noting that the love they receive on the streets of Sligo, Dublin, and elsewhere is 'incredible.' The upcoming residency promises to be a spectacular celebration of their career.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy Cemented

With 82 shows at the 3Arena, Westlife will set a record that underscores their enduring popularity and connection with Irish audiences. The plaque at the venue will serve as a permanent tribute to their achievements, while the world tour will bring their music to international fans. The band's ability to adapt and continue performing, even with a reduced lineup, speaks to their resilience and the strength of their fan base. As they prepare for the September residency, the members are focused on delivering memorable performances. 'You don't know if you will ever do it again so you really want to kind of enjoy it and saying that you really want to go out and put on the best show,' Byrne said. The 25th anniversary marks not just a milestone but a reaffirmation of Westlife's place in pop music history.

The bottom line

• Westlife will achieve a record 82 shows at Dublin's 3Arena, with a plaque commemorating the milestone.
• Kian Egan and Jodi Albert's relationship began in 1999, overcoming an age gap and her prior relationship.
• The couple married in Barbados in 2009 in a €1 million wedding, a decade after their first meeting.
• Mark Feehily will not join the 25th anniversary tour due to health issues but contributed to the new album.
• The band's world tour will follow the Irish residency, covering multiple countries across Europe.
• Westlife's new album '25 - The Ultimate Collection' includes classic hits and new recordings.