Westlife singer Mark Feehily has given fans a rare and hopeful update on his health, following a life-threatening battle with sepsis that saw him spend months in intensive care. The 45-year-old has now revealed he feels strong enough to make a professional comeback, albeit in a different capacity to his stadium-filling days with the band.
A New Chapter on the Airwaves
Mark Feehily is set to host a new programme three times a week on Ireland's most-listened-to station, RTE Radio 1. His shows will air every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, marking a significant step back into the public eye. This move comes after he made the difficult decision to quit Westlife in 2024, meaning he will not join bandmates Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne on their upcoming 25th-anniversary world tour.
In a heartfelt Instagram post from the radio studio, the Sligo-born star explained his reasoning. "My body and my mind need time," he wrote. "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." He added that for him, this new role is a "HUGE deal and achievement" and that staying inactive would be worse for him both medically and emotionally.
The Gruelling Health Struggle
Feehily's health crisis began in 2020 when he was diagnosed with sepsis following what was supposed to be routine surgery. The condition, a severe complication of infection, can lead to organ failure and death if not treated swiftly. In Feehily's case, it was followed by a bout of pneumonia. To address ongoing complications, the musician has since undergone four major surgeries.
He admitted it has been "quite difficult" to watch Westlife launch their major global tour without him. The band's 25th-anniversary celebrations are scheduled to commence in Aberdeen in September 2026, running until the end of November with dates across Europe, including Belgium, Holland, Norway, and Denmark.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
Despite the challenges, Feehily expressed pride in his band's continued success and immense gratitude for the unwavering support from fans. His focus is now on a measured recovery and embracing his new radio venture. This career pivot represents a careful balance for the star, allowing him to reconnect with an audience without the immense physical strain of touring.
Sepsis symptoms include severe breathing difficulties, skin turning very pale, and extreme fatigue. Feehily's public update sheds light on a long and private recovery journey, offering hope to others facing serious health battles while signalling a welcome return for one of pop music's beloved voices.
