Westlife members Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan are planning a reunion... without Brian McFadden.

They Irish boy band are already planning new songs and a massive tour, according to record industry insiders. "It’s signed, sealed and delivered and it’s definitely happening — and it absolutely does not include Brian McFadden," says a source.

“The other guys have been lined up to return to the studio and record some new songs and tour dates have even been organised, so it’s definitely going ahead this time. There’s been a lot of speculation, but this time it’s a done deal and contracts have been signed.”

Ed Sheeran is understood to be helping the Irish band record new material, including their first comeback single, according to Simon Boyle writing in his column in this morning's The Sun newspaper.

Simon says: "I can reveal that none other than Ed Sheeran is the mastermind behind Westlife’s reunion — and has secretly co-written the group a shock new single."

Confirming that Ed is working with Westlife, a source says: “Westlife have really been pulling out all the stops for their big comeback and were desperate to get Ed on board. It took quite some time to pull together and has been done totally behind closed doors, but he has finally given them the right record to make it happen.

“Having Ed involved is a huge coup. They think he will give them a contemporary edge for their reunion. They have already recorded the song and are delighted with the results. They’re just pulling together the final promo details including a video before they unveil it. It’s going to be huge.”

The reunion should come as no surprise to fans. Nicky Byrne has spoken in the past about how Westlife, who sold over 55million records in their heyday, always wanted to a reunion to coincide with the 20th anniversary of their first single, which was back in 1998.

"I think a reunion is getting closer, next year we’re 20 years since we released Swear It Again, the year after we’re 21 years," Nicky once told RSVP Magazine.

"One day it would be great to do it again but it’s not happening until you hear from the four of us, not management not anyone else. The offers are there and I think they will always be there which is nice to feel like that.

"Even leaving the financial element aside, it’s nice to get back onstage, that would be brilliant, you can never relive those moments until you do them again."