Westlife to headline star-studded Late Late Show finale with major tour and new music push

Westlife are set to take centre stage on this week’s Late Late Show as the chart-topping group returns for the final episode of the season, marking a major moment in their 25th anniversary celebrations and a packed year ahead for fans across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne will lead the line-up with a performance of three of their biggest hits, alongside a surprise collaboration being kept tightly under wraps.

The trio will also sit down with host Patrick Kielty to reflect on their journey, share stories from decades of fan encounters and build anticipation ahead of their upcoming live shows.

Their appearance comes as the band prepares for one of the most significant chapters in its history, with a milestone anniversary tour and a record-breaking run of concerts already drawing huge attention.

Major anniversary tour and record-breaking residency

Westlife is marking 25 years in music with the “Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour”, a celebration of their global success that includes a major series of performances across Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland later this year.

In Dublin, the group has already made headlines by securing a 13-night residency at the 3Arena, setting a new benchmark for the venue.

The dates span across September, with shows scheduled for the 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26.

Following their Dublin run and additional UK dates, the band will head north for a five-night stint at Belfast’s SSE Arena, performing on October 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

The scale of the tour underlines the band’s enduring appeal, with demand expected to be high across both jurisdictions.

New album and fresh music release

Alongside the tour, Westlife is preparing to release a new album titled “25 – The Ultimate Collection”, bringing together fan favourites and new material.

The album, originally due in February, has been rescheduled and will now be released on May 8, 2026.

A new single, “Chariot”, leads the project and continues the band’s collaboration with high-profile songwriters Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol.

The upcoming live shows are being billed as a “euphoric, hit-filled set”, blending classic chart-toppers such as “Swear It Again”, “Flying Without Wings” and “World of Our Own” with tracks from the new release.

Late Late Show set for packed finale

Friday night’s Late Late Show will not focus on Westlife alone, with a wide-ranging guest list rounding out the season finale.

Music icon Boy George will appear to discuss an upcoming exhibition of his most iconic outfits at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware, opening in May. He is also expected to reflect on his career, Irish roots and the influence of his late Dublin-born mother on his creative life.

Irish comedian Garron Noone will bring his trademark humour to the studio, revealing his status as a secret Westlife fan while teasing a major announcement for viewers.

The programme will also feature Jordan Adams and his brother Cian, who recently went viral after completing the London Marathon with a fridge on his back. The pair will speak about their efforts to raise awareness of dementia after losing 12 relatives, including their mother Geraldine, to the disease.

They will also outline their next challenge, which will see them attempt to run 32 marathons in 32 days across all 32 counties of Ireland, aiming to highlight the impact of dementia on families.

A finale built on nostalgia and momentum

With live performances, major announcements and powerful personal stories, the final Late Late Show of the season is set to combine entertainment with real-world impact.

For Westlife, the appearance serves as both a celebration of their legacy and a launchpad into a landmark year, with new music, record-breaking shows and a tour that will bring them back to audiences across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Late Late Show airs Friday night on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

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At a glance

• Westlife will headline the Late Late Show season finale with three live performances

• The band is marking 25 years with a major anniversary world tour

• Dublin residency includes 13 sold-out shows at the 3Arena in September

• Belfast dates confirmed for five nights at the SSE Arena from October 27 to 31

• New album “25 – The Ultimate Collection” released May 8, 2026

• New single “Chariot” written by Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid

• Boy George, Garron Noone and Jordan Adams also feature on the show

• Adams brothers planning 32 marathons in 32 days for dementia awareness