Shane Filan has opened up on the moment he was declared bankrupt.

The Irish singer fell into severe money problems in 2012 after a property company he started with his brother owed £18million when the global financial scene crumbled into disrepair.

This meant that Filan was eventually declared bankrupt.

Speaking in an extract from his new book My Side of Life, the Westlife man said that he was left crying uncontrollably at the news.

He said: "On June 10, 2012, my solicitor rang and told me I was bankrupt. My whole life flashed before my eyes. It felt as if somebody had died. Everything was gone – my home, the cars, all of our money.

"I sobbed inconsolably. This was the bottom of the barrel. And next day I had to go and play a pop concert. But the weird thing was I got up onstage in Cardiff that night and loved every second of it. The worst thing in the world had happened to me and I was still alive. I still had my voice. The fear had gone."

The Irishman, who has now started a successful solo career, concluded:

"It’s been an incredible life really. I am just grateful to be happy and healthy, in love with Gillian and our three perfect children, Nicole, Patrick and Shane, and making a living from singing songs. At heart that is all I ever wanted."

My Side of Life meanwhile will be released on October 9.

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Watch Shane Filan being interviewed below: