A year in the Westlife

Westlife: Controversial success

So what takes place inside the mind of a member of Westlife? the group's Shane Filan talks to BBC News Online as the band cross their fingers for a Christmas number one.

Just two years ago, Westlife could only dream of fame and fortune.

Under the guidance of Ronan Keating and Boyzone mentor Louis Walsh, the odds were not exactly stacked against them.

But no-one could have predicted the level of success Walsh's pop protegés would attain.

I'm not confident at all actually because of Bob The Builder - we have to get a number two some day

Shane Filan

Their tally of seven consecutive number ones has matched the record set by the Beatles - and eclipsed the achievements of other boy bands such as Take That and Boyzone.

"It is hard to kind of think about how it's all happened, but we're just very proud of it," says Shane Filan.

He attributes much of their success to their record company, BMG.

"We've learnt to trust our record company a lot. They're very good at making decisions - they have been in the past, and they're one of the main reasons we're successful."

2000 has almost been a re-run of 1999 for the band, with more number one singles, another Record of the Year title and a never-ending round of interviews and TV appearances.

But they might not make it to the Christmas number one if a small cartoon builder has anything to do with it.

"I'm not confident at all actually because of Bob The Builder. We have to get a number two some day," Shane says.

"It's just one of those records that you can¿t beat, that every kid from the age of six months old is getting that record for Christmas.

People don't see you getting up at 5 or 6am for Live & Kicking - five people getting showered, shaved and in hair and make-up

Shane Filan

"So it is going to be hard to beat it. I think we'll do well, but I wouldn't put my money on definitely being number one."

Shane insists that life in a boy band is not that glamorous.

"People don't see you getting up at 5 or 6am for Live & Kicking - five people getting showered, shaved and in hair and make-up, and all that for TV. That takes like two hours."

In the past two years life has changed a great deal for Shane and fellow Westlifes Bryan, Kian, Mark and Nicky.

"I think we all have changed - I don't think in a bad way, with like arrogance or anything like that. I think we have changed our outlook on life if you like," Shane says.

"We've realised that health and family is the most important thing."

Spending time with their families is high on their list of priorities at this time of year.

"I'm looking forward to just getting a complete break and seeing my family - eating a big fat dinner, turkey, ham, stuffing, and just bloating out in front of the fire," says Shane.

I'm building a house for my family

Shane Filan

After a three-week break from the limelight over Christmas, it will be time to reunite and jump back on the Westlife merry-go-round.

"We have about three and a half weeks off and then we're going to tour rehearsals for our new concert - our new world tour," said Shane.

"It starts in February, so the rehearsals start in January. Then we start the England and Ireland tour for about three months.

"It's a big tour - about 70 dates. Then we do Europe, Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America.

"Then we go home for a while, and then we go back to America for about two or three months' promotion.

"We've got to go back there and put on the finishing touches, the foundations and build it all up."

And as for ambitions for 2001?

"The world tour is obviously going to be big for us next year, and hopefully it will turn out good.

"I'm building a house for my family as well, so I want to start that after Christmas - and just happiness and health."