Westlife have ended their relationship with record label EMI despite a successful comeback with a new album.

The four-piece split in 2011 but reunited in 2018 for a new tour and album, Spectrum, which topped the charts.

The coronavirus pandemic put paid to plans for another tour in 2020, however, and according to The Sun, the financial consequences led to the band parting ways with the label.

A spokesman told the newspaper: "They've agreed a mutual parting of ways with EMI and details of a new and groundbreaking partnership are imminent.

"The next 18 months are shaping up to be the band's busiest, including a new album, sold-out stadium shows — featuring a first show at Wembley Stadium — plus their biggest-ever global tour, which will include their first ever American shows.

"The band are also considering opportunities for a spectacular end-of-year TV show and a documentary special."

Westlife are one of the most successful music acts in UK chart history, having topped the singles chart 14 times - placing them joint-third with Cliff Richard on the all-time list, behind only Elvis Presley (21) and The Beatles (17).