Westlife singer Shane Filan and his wife Gillian made a quick visit to Dublin studios today to film a scene for ‘In the Round’, Pat Kenny’s new interview show.
The couple, who are rarely photographed together, were happy to pose for a few snaps before leaving the vicinity. Their shunning of the celeb lifestyle is partly a result of Gillian’s decision, many years ago, to maintain a private relationship aside from the instant fame her husband found during as a member of Ireland’s biggest boy band.
Shane and Gillian, who have been married for 12 years, were hesitant to go public with their “amazing” relationship until a couple of years had passed since Westlife first hit the pop scene.
In financially difficult times, Gillian stuck by her man and encouraged him to keep positive about the future. Shane co-founded the property company; Shafin Developments which ultimately led to the singer’s infamous declaration of bankruptcy. At the very worst, Shane payed out €90,000 a month and was left with as little as €470 in his pocket.
But everything has changed, and for the better, as the Sligo native is giving all his attention to his music.
“I’m just going to focus on singing from now on and that’s it,” he commented.
Crediting Gillian with helping him move on from the turbulent past few years, Shane admits: “She’s the reason I’m still positive. She’s the reason these songs are out there.”
The couple, who appeared very loved-up today in the city-centre, also looked ultra-glamerous, with Gillian sporting a white blazer and YSL handbag while Shane looked as handsome as ever in a navy, checkered blazer and matching shirt.
The pair show off a strong bond which doesn’t show any signs of wavering any time soon.
“She’s like my shrink”, The singer has gushed in the past. “I was lucky to find Gillian – I have Sligo to thank for that!”