Former Westlife heartthrob Shane Filan, who has now launched a solo music career, will be releasing his autobiography through Virgin Books in October this year. 

The book, entitled 'My Side of Life: The Autobiography', promises to tell the story of his "early years growing up as part of a large Irish family in Co. Sligo, the phenomenal success of Westlife and the ups and downs of their time together, the breakup of the band and his financial devastation, and finally going it alone as a solo artist".

Speaking about the exciting project, the Irish singer explained: “I’m very excited about this book. I’ll be telling the truth and I’ll be telling the side of the story people haven’t heard. It will be about everything - the good and the bad. Some it is so incredible you’d think it was fictional. I think it’s going to be a great read.”

Assistant editor Yvonne Jacob added that she's delighted to work with Filan on the autobiography and thinks fans of Westlife and of Filan particularly will love it: “As a fellow West of Ireland native, I have followed Shane’s career from the early days of Westlife and I couldn’t be more excited to be publishing his autobiography. From the highs of Westlife’s unprecedented success, to the lows of the financial difficulties he has overcome, Shane has an incredible story to tell.”

Earlier today (April 10), Filan confirmed that he will be heading out of a full UK tour later this year and tweeted: "The rumours are true guys!!! The #YouAndMeTour2014 continues this Winter for a 2nd leg in UK All the dates & details later today!!"

Watch his official music video for 'Knee Deep In My Heart' below: