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Irish boy band Westlife believe they are better off without Delta Goodrem's boyfriend Brian McFadden. McFadden, who has been dating the Australian singer since 2005, quit Westlife in 2004 just before the group was due to embark on a world tour.
Band member Kian Egan says there were no hard feelings but that the group gelled better when McFadden departed.
"When we did our first concerts the reaction was massive. Fans were saying we were better than ever. They were saying they didn't miss Brian and it was fantastic," the 26-year-old said.
"We always thought a five piece was the perfect band, until we got the four of us," said Egan. "I think it was also probably a part of the growing up process as well. We changed from the typical boy band to singing powerful ballads and love songs."
Westlife begin an Australian tour in Perth on February 21 and play Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
