Just when you thought you’d heard the last of defunct Irish boyband Westlife, they spring back up like the villain in a slasher movie franchise. To while away the time before the inevitable reunion tour, the former members have been releasing albums, appearing on reality TV, etc.

Hot on the heels of Kian Egan’s second solo album (and his tenure as a judge on Ireland’s The Voice) Mark Feehily is launching a solo career. He’s also rebranding himself as Markus Feehily, which is his full name. The new songs are autobiographical, sez he.

Fans should be prepared for something different from Westlife’s cheery pop and gooey ballads.

“I tend to write more when I'm feeling down or when something bad happens as it can be the only way to express myself,” he told reveal.co.uk.