Westlife postpone gigs due to illness

Irish boy band Westlife have been forced to postpone two gigs on their tour - because bandmembers Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne have fallen ill.

The Flying Without Wings hitmakers have postponed a show on Monday (19May08) evening in Nottingham, and the following night's show on Tuesday (20May08) in Cardiff, Wales, after a doctor advised the singers to rest in order to recover properly.

A statement from the band reads, "We are very sorry to have to postpone these shows at such short notice, we apologise to all our fans, and we can't wait to get back out there and put on a great show for you.

"Hold onto your tickets and we'll see you soon, Westlife."

The tour is set to continue on Thursday (22May08) in Birmingham. The rescheduled dates will be announced shortly, according to a spokesperson for Westlife. (JC/PR/MT)