KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Mark Feehily is leaving iconic Irish pop quartet Westlife due to ill health.
The 43-year-old missed a number of dates on the group's Wild Dreams tour in 2022 after contracting pneumonia and then undergoing surgery.
Days before the group was due to embark on their first US concert series, he announced on Instagram that he was stepping back due to medical "challenges."
Feehily wrote: "I have had some health challenges. It all started three and a half years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery.
"I eventually ended up in ICU where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Consequently I spent the next few months in hospital."
Feehily was discharged from hospital in December but his health problems were far from over.
Feehily said: "In late 2021, I became very ill with pneumonia. Once again I underwent surgery in May 2022 and was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour.
"Then three months later I developed a bad case of hernia and underwent surgery for the fourth time."
Feehily added that he had to temporarily stand down from touring until he truly recovered from his illnesses.
"I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years."
Feehily paid tribute to his bandmates Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne, saying that he would always be with them in spirit.
Feehily's bandmates said in a statement on Instagram that they wished him a speedy recovery.
"Mark has been so strong in continuing to show up on stage despite going through such a turbulent time with his health and we completely respect that he must now focus on getting better so he can return to the stage when he is fit and well."