Westlife announced they are to split after 14 years of success

Chart topping group Westlife have announced today they are to split next year.

The Irish boyband managed my X Factor judge Louis Walsh, have had 14 years of continued success in the music industry and have flourish were many bands have failed.

The boyband, made up of  Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan, said in a statement that they “want to have a well-earned break”.

They will bow out with a farewell tour in May 2012, playing nine gigs in most major cities in the UK.

In a statement, Westlife said: “Today we announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year.

“The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures.

“Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family. We would like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too.

“We never imagined when we started out in 1998 that 14 years later we would still be recording, touring and having hits together. It has been a dream come true for all of us.”

Since forming in 1998, the group have had 14 number one singles in the UK.

Westlife’s Greatest Hits collection will be released on November 21, while new single ‘Lighthouse’ will be available to download from November 13.

Check out  classic 1999 track ‘Flying Without Wings’  video below: