The Irish quartet recently announced they will go their separate ways to the end of a tour next summer but are refusing to think about what will happen after their last concert.

Mark Feehily said: "We’re not going anywhere just yet, so I’m not thinking about it. I don’t know whether I’m doing it subconsciously or on purpose. But I think we’ve been preparing for the idea that it’s not gonna last forever for a few years now.”

Shane Filan added: “It will be kinda weird on the last night of the tour in Dublin next year, as that’s when it will be scary. It’s like, ‘What do you do after the concert?’ Because that’s it! It will be the last time ever! Do you go off for a drink; do you go for a cry? It’s one of those weird moments that we haven’t experienced, but when we do, I know it will feel like we’ve been hit by a ton of bricks.”

While the band are comfortable with the idea of splitting, their manager Louis Walsh is struggling with their decision.

Mark told Britain's Star magazine: We’re worried we’ll have to set up a helpline for Louis because he wasn’t happy about it at all! He is devastated, genuinely. I saw him the other night and I said, ‘So how are you feeling?’ and he said, ‘I don’t want to talk about it.’ He’s not there yet. But he understands.”

Shane and Mark are joined in Westlife by Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne.