The Daily Star tabloid claimed the group were preparing to split, quoting manager Louis Walsh as saying they would "call it a day" after fulfilling their current record and concert commitments.

"We're in our fifth year and we're probably going to get two more out of it," he told the paper.

"We have a greatest hits coming out in May and and are planning two new studio albums.

Ronan Keating: Moving into a TV career

"It has been a fantastic roller-coaster ride and we've taken it much further than we ever dreamt. But I give the boys just two more years and then we'll call it a day."

But a spokeswoman for the group said the reports were "just not true".

"They're enjoying being Boyzone more than they ever have before," she said.

Speculation of a split became rife when band members Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch embarked on an increasing number of solo projects.

Ronan Keating has already started a career as a TV presenter this year's Miss World show and 1997's MTV European Music Awards under his belt. He will soon be seen hosting a new talent-spotting show, Get Your Act Together, for BBC One in the New Year.

Stephen Gately has plans for a solo career, while Shane Lynch has developed an interest in motorcycle racing.