Mark Feehily has shared a rare health update as he starts his new RTE Radio 1 show after stepping back from the band in 2024 following a sepsis diagnosis
Bradley Jolly Overnight News Editor
11:32, 31 Dec 2025
Westlife singer Mark Feehily has issued a health update after battling a series of illnesses over the last few years.(Image: Instagram)
Westlife’s lead singer, Mark Feehily, has opened up about his health following a battle with sepsis.
The 45-year-old crooner reassured fans that he is feeling well enough to kick-start his career again after spending several months in intensive care due to the sepsis ordeal. Mark took a step back from Westlife in 2024 amidst the health scare, declaring that he wouldn’t be joining bandmates Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne on their 25th-anniversary tour, reports the Mirror.
However, he’s now poised for a comeback, set to host a thrice-weekly programme on RTE Radio 1. His shows will broadcast on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays on the country’s most popular radio station.
Sligo man Mark wrote on Instagram: “My body and my mind need time. However, thankfully, sitting in a chair to do a radio show is a completely different physical and mental demand to doing a massive world tour and I feel very lucky to be able to do this new @rteradio1 show.
“It’s not quite a stadium show but it’s a HUGE deal and achievement for me! Right now, to sit back and do absolutely nothing would make things much worse for me both medically and emotionally – so here goes!”
(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
The star shared a photo of himself wearing headphones whilst seated in the radio station. The extended message went on: “A little message from me to you from the heart. It’s been so long, sorry about the lack of posting… I’ve missed ya!… t’s been quite difficult to watch my bands big World Tour launch knowing I won’t be able to be there with you all to join the party.
“However, it’s been really amazing to see our band still flying so high, and the incredible global support that’s still there for us. YOUR support!”.
Westlife’s 25th anniversary tour is set to kick off in September 2026 in Aberdeen, running through until late November. The tour will take the band to international venues as well, with performances lined up in Belgium, Holland, Norway and Denmark amongst other nations.
Mark won’t be joining the lads, however, as he continues his recovery from illness. The musician underwent routine surgery after being diagnosed with sepsis in 2020, but subsequently developed pneumonia following the infection.
Mark has since had four major operations to manage complications stemming from his original illness. Sepsis presents with various symptoms, including extreme breathing difficulties, very pale skin and exhaustion. A severe complication arising from an infection, sepsis can result in multiple organ failure and death without prompt treatment.
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