Westlife have announced that they will split after their arena tour next year.

The band, who have been together for 14 years, have today revealed that they will be parting ways when they finish their May 2012 tour dates.

In a statement the band said: ''The decision is entirely amicable. After spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures. We'd like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey."

Westlife will play a total of nine dates across the UK, kicking off Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on May 14 and finishing up on May 27 at Glasgow SECC.

A source told The Sun: ''This is it – the Greatest Hits album and the tour are their way of giving thanks to their loyal fanbase and saying cheerio… There's no bad blood in the band, they're still great pals. But all good things come to an end and they are all keen to do their own thing.''

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