Music mogul Louis Walsh has revealed that the rest of Westlife didn't know about Shane Filan's financial struggles because he chose not to worry them with the information.

Earlier this month, the singer was declared bankrupt with personal debts of up to £18 million and he explained that despite trying to fix his problems he couldn't find a feasible solution: "I have worked long and hard to try to reduce my debts, and I am devastated that it came to this conclusion."

Now, his group's manager Walsh has admitted to The Mirror that no one knew how serious his debts really were:

"We didn’t know it was that serious. He didn’t tell us much because he didn’t want to drag the boys down with it."

Walsh added that he's proud to have managed such an iconic boy band and his relationship with the lads has been one he will cherish: "I have never known a band like this and we have had an amazing time. I have never known a band and a manager get on as well as we do."