Westlife's Mark Feehily has revealed he is due to undergo surgery and won't be part of the band's tour this summer.
The 42-year-old took to the band's social media account on Monday to issue a statement to fans informing them that he has to undergo 'a little bit of surgery' this week.
He told fans it wasn't anything to worry about but added that doctors have told him he needs to have it done 'sooner rather than later'.
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The statement read: "Dear lovely people, It's Mark here!
"This summer our Wild Dreams tour continues and we are so blessed for the huge love and support we receive from our fans worldwide.
"We have five shows taking place this summer from May-July and it is with deep regret that I will not be able to join Shane, Nicky and Kian on stage for those shows.
"This week I have to undergo a little bit of surgery. There is nothing to worry about I promise, but under doctor's orders this surgery needs to happen sooner rather than later and will also require some recovery time throughout the summer."
He continued: "To all our amazing dans in Denmark, Sweeden, Mexico, Cardiff and Henley, I want you to know that I was very excited to see you all and perform but this is something that can't be avoided and I know you will all still have the time of your lives at what will be some amazing shows.
"I'll be there with you all in spirit and very much look forward to getting back on stage with the lads very soon."
The Sligo native was forced to miss several of the band's tour dates at the end of last year after falling ill with pneumonia.
Updating fans in January that he had been given the green light by doctors to return to work he posted on social media: "‘Hey all,great news… I’ll be FLYING WITHOUT WINGS once more!
"Finally the doctor has said that I can start getting myself back to normal. I was in his waiting room earlier worried he was going to tell me “no you’re still not right” but he was very happy with how I am doing.
"I won’t lie, although there are lots of people much worse off than me, the past 6 weeks have been very difficult,’ he continued.
"Weirdly the most difficult thing was not being ill (that wasn’t easy either!) it was having no choice but to sit back and watch my own band be on tour without me and miss all of the shared moments of joy and happiness with the other lads onstage and of course the interaction with the audiences and fans."
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