Former Westlife singer Shane Filan has signed to London Records, and will release a solo album this year.

The star, who is managed by Louis Walsh, expressed his delight at the news; ”I am so excited to be joining London Records, Universal Music and being back in the studio in London and Nashville recording new songs has been amazing," he said. "One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I've been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I’m so excited for people to hear them!”

Walsh added, This is a fantastic new deal for Shane, we are thrilled to be part of the team at London Records.”

Filan sang with Westlife from their inception in 1998 until their split last year, and invested much of his earnings in property during the boom - setting up Shafin Developments with his eldest brother, Finbarr. The company was placed in receivership in 2012, with Filan declared bankrupt shortly afterwards.

Today, the singer posted on his official site:

"Hi everybody,
So today's the day! I'm sorry that I had to keep you all waiting for so long but I hope it's worth the wait! Today I've signed my first record deal as a solo artist with London Records... I'm going to be releasing my first single this summer with my debut album coming later in the year!

"The past twelve months have been very tough at times buf if nothing else it proved to me that family, healty and happniess are the most important things in life. Now my focus is on my music and solo career - singing is all I want to do"