Welcome Nicole!
The latest member to join the Westlife boys was welcomed with open arms
yesterday when baby Nicole Filan made a sudden arrival 10 days early.
Shane Filan and his wife Gillian were described as "ecstatic" after the birth of
their first child - a bouncing baby girl who has already been named Nicole.
Nicole weighed in at 5lbs 7oz, coincidentally the exact same weight as her
father when he was born.
The couple, who are both 26 years old, admitted they were eager to start a
family as soon as possible after they wed 19 months ago.
Sligo General Hospital refused to confirm Nicole's birth, but a friend of the
family said: "It's true. They are delighted. The baby was born 10 days early.
Mother and child are doing well."
Earlier this month Gillian said: "I'm feeling really excited, a little nervous
though, but having Shane, my sister Joanne and my mum visiting nearly every hour
of the day makes me feel better. Shane has been absolutely wonderful to me. He's
even doing the housework.
"Our baby will be loved so much. So many fans have sent cards, letters and gifts.
I couldn't ask for better Westlife fans."
Announcing the pregnancy last February Shane described the moment Gillian broke
the news to him. He said: "It is a dream come true. We just burst out crying and
couldn't stop hugging each other. It was one of the best moments of my life."
The young star confirmed the baby was planned and said he intended to take the
last few months of Gillian's pregnancy off work so he would "be able to look
after her".
The couple moved into a huge new house in Carraroe, Co Sligo earlier this year.
Nicole is the third baby with a famous father from the successful boy band.
Brian McFadden, who has since left the band and is currently going through a
bitter break-up with his wife Kerry Katona, is dad to toddlers Molly and
Lilly-Sue.