Brian McFadden is winning new fans on Dancing On Ice right now, and it looks like he’s hoping to win over a few old friends, too.
The singer has reached out to his old bandmates, Westlife, in a reported bid to end the feud that’s divided them for the past 15 years.
Love it! Great song great production. The boys are back! https://t.co/jbgsRV7FNv
— Brian Mcfadden (@BrianMcFadden) January 10, 2019
The 38-year-old took to Twitter to praise the group, after member, Nicky Byrne encouraged fans to buy their new single.
Nicky, 40, wrote: “Here you go Peoples! Link to ‘Hello My Love’ available now.” Brian retweeted it, adding: “Love it! Great song great production. The boys are back!”
His 343k followers were shocked by the lovely gesture, as Brian splintered acrimoniously from Westlife – who also include Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan – in 2004.
It was reported that the band still hadn’t forgiven him all these years later, when they re-formed in April 2018, and refused to let Brian return.
At the time, their manager, Louis Walsh said: “Brian won’t be involved, it will be the Fab Four. Totally. The four of them just see themselves as Westlife.”
The former X Factor judge added: “I prefer a happy band and four happy people. They all know each other, they all respect each other.”
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Brian apparently didn’t react well, and The Sun reported on tweets he later deleted, that read: “Dear fans and people who have supported us when we had [bleepy] nothing. You’re the kings and queens who are us and we love you. But I completely understand that the group see themselves as a four piece.
“But let’s be honest, ego is destroying a full Westlife reunion. For the record. I have spoke to senior members of the Westlife project saying a major offer is on the table for a five man reunion.”
He added: “That’s fine but you have to respect the wishes of Shane, Mark, Nick and Kian. If they only want to be a four piece I respect that.”
His fans rushed to comment on the new – much more – gracious tweet, with one saying: “Even [though] they didn’t include you, well you’re still part of Westlife in our hearts ♥️ thanks for this tweet you made us smile 😊.”
Another said: “That’s very sweet of you Brian. 👍🏼💋💕.”
A third wrote: “That’s why you are my favourite 😍.” While a fourth commented simply: “Glad to see your positive post, Brian 😀💖.”
Others pleaded with Westlife to reconsider their decision to exclude him, writing: “We only need your voice inside the song, it is the part that the puzzle needs to turn into a piece of perfect art and my happiness is complete. You’ll always be the 5th member of Westlife❤️❤️❤️.”
A second said: “You need to join them!”
One more added: ” I have to admit that I was thrilled by the comeback song but can’t help longing to hear your voice blended with the other lads’ voice. Westlife will always be 5 for me.”
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We will never give up hope that the band can one day become a five-piece again. Come on, OG Westlife!
Would you like to see Brian re-join the lads? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.