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Aaron Morris

Westlife's Mark Feehily confirms pneumonia forced him to pull out of Newcastle Arena shows

Westlife have confirmed that a bout of pneumonia forced Mark Feehily to miss out on two shows at the Newcastle Utilita Arena over the weekend.

The 42-year-old Irishman missed both of Westlife's shows on the Toon under strict doctor's orders - with the rest of the band performing as a rare trio.

With the show still going ahead on Friday (November 25) Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan took the stage, apologising for Mark's last minute absence after the singer fell ill shortly before he was set to perform.

Read more: Westlife's Mark Feehily absent from Newcastle show 'under doctors orders' as he issues statement

Mark took to social media around the same time, posting a statement of explanation as to why he wouldn't be at the gig. He wrote: "I'm so sorry to tell you I won't be able to join the boys on stage tonight in Newcastle.

"I felt really feverish last night after the Manchester gig, then the same again this morning but a whole lot worse - been with the doctor and he says there's no way in the world I should do the show tonight."

He added: "So after speaking to the lads we decided the show will go ahead, please, for me, have the time of your life. I wish my 3 brothers the best gig ever and I'll be there in spirit," before ending the post: "I'll be back in action rocking it out to Beyonce ASAP."

And while many questioned what was wrong with the superstar, all was revealed this afternoon. Taking to Instagram once more, the official Westlife account posted an explainer.

It read: "Hey to all the fans, Mark here! Firstly, I'd like to send a sincere thank you everybody sending their love and get well soon messages - it means so much.

"I was really gutted to miss the weekend shows in Newcastle but I started to feel quite unwell on Friday and the doctors have confirmed that it's a bout of Pneumonia."

And fans were quick to send more well wishes to the Irishman, with the post racking up in excess of 6,000 likes. One wrote: "Feel so bad for you. Get better soon," while a second, added: "No rush you’re health is the most important thing. We will still be here when you feel better. Sending you the biggest hug and lots of love."

A third, penned: "Bless you hope you are feeling better soon we have tickets for Sheffield tonight so will certainly cheer on the boys," while a fourth, commented: "Have a speedy recovery, Mark and take care and rest well…"

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