Westlife today confirmed that their major Irish summer gigs have been cancelled, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic – and the restrictions that have been imposed as a result by the Government here in Ireland.

The now four-piece line-up of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan were scheduled to play two concerts on the trot at Cork's Páirc Uí Chaoimh on August 28 and 29 this year. However, the dates have now been re-scheduled for 2021.

In a statement which was released by Westlife, the band confirmed that tickets purchased for the original dates will be valid for the re-scheduled dates, which are pushed back for what is effectively a full year on. The new show dates are August 27 and 28, 2021.

"To all our Irish fans – following the Irish government's announcement last night the shows at Cork Páirc Uí Chaoimh have been postponed to 27th and 28th August 2021 with all tickets valid for new dates and no ticket exchange required,” Westlife said.

"Tickets purchased for 28th August 2020 are valid for Friday 27th August 2021. Tickets purchased for 29th August 2020 are valid for Saturday 28th August 2021.

"In the meantime, we ask everyone to stay home, stay safe and keep playing your part in fighting the spread of this virus."

The band returned to action after a long hiatus in 2018, when they celebrated their 20th anniversary. Their subsequent 2019 album Spectrum went to No.1 in Ireland, demonstrating that there was still a huge audience for their music. That was confirmed in no uncertain terms with a hugely successful return to Croke Park in July 2019.

"We will all come back stronger next year,” the band's Nicky Byrne said in an Instagram post. "On the plus side, it gives us an extra year to get our dance moves right."

Westlife's UK tour has also been cancelled. However, they describe their planned London Wembley Stadium concert as "a fluid situation.” They said that the gig will only go ahead "if it is completely safe to do so." UK fans of Westlife will be keeping their fingers crossed.