Shane Filan sold more than 44 million records and was a household name with Westlife. Since going it alone, the 37-year-old has released two albums, the second of which, Right Here, reached No.1 in his native Ireland and made the UK top 20.

The venues for the second leg of the tour were chosen by his fans through social media - including the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells.

You’re coming back to Tunbridge Wells – how did that come about?

I played Tunbridge Wells on the second leg of my first tour so it’s a return visit for me. I wanted to go to wherever the fans wanted. You can do so much with social media now – so we gave them a chance to tell us. We wanted their 10 most wanted places. It’s pretty instant now. I am really excited about this new phase in the tour and looking forward to seeing everyone at the Assembly Hall Theatre – it’s going to be a great night.

You co-wrote around 50 songs for this album didn’t you?

I did, but there aren’t 50 songs on there, of course. It took a long time to make this album. Actually 200 songs were put forward, but I also wanted the best songs and although a lot of people think their own songs are fantastic, you have to step away. The record company chose, and, in fairness, our decisions were pretty similar. Seven are mine though!

You’ve got a song with a gospel choir on the album, haven’t you?

Yes, it is just a great song. It’s got that whole feel to it. I have my band and a gospel choir. I can’t take a whole gospel choir out on tour with me though, unfortunately.

How much time do you spend away from home?

I am focusing on touring this album and I am away from home a bit, but I try to be home a lot too. Home is Ireland – I’m there two weeks of every month, or I try. My family love coming to the shows. It is exciting for them to come to the shows. The memories and the stuff you get to do as a family is amazing.

You’re still very close with former Westlife manager and X Factor judge Louis Walsh aren’t you?

We’ve known each other 18 years now. He has definitely got that protective relationship with me. He is very protective of what I do, everything to do with my career. And he is very honest with me. That is the best thing about our relationship – you need somebody to be able to do that. We both want the best for my career. I trust him 1,000%. He does an amazing job on the X Factor.

How do you feel, looking back on your time in Westlife now?

I have very fond memories. It was incredible what we achieved. But I am happy now. I keep trying to improve and find that better song every time. I am doing what I love and I think I am in a very happy place – I am probably the happiest I have ever been. I can’t really ask for much more.

DETAILS

Shane Filan will be at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, on Friday, October 21. For tickets from £32.50, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk, shanefilan.com and ticketmaster.co.uk

SUPPORT

Supporting Shane in Tunbridge Wells will be Nikki Loy, whose third album, Pivotal, was released last week.

Nikki is living her dream, touring, singing and living in a campervan. “Nikki is a very engaging artist,” said Shane.

“I wanted the support slot on my tour to go to another talented musician making their way up. I am very much looking forward to seeing her perform and I believe the audience will love her.”