In a remarkably candid reflection on his past, former Westlife star Brian McFadden has revealed he harbours significant regrets about his decision to leave the chart-topping band and his subsequent split from ex-wife Kerry Katona.
A Changed Perspective on Past Choices
Speaking in a new interview, McFadden admitted that if he possessed the maturity and mental clarity he has today, his life might have taken a very different path. The singer, who was married to Atomic Kitten's Kerry Katona from 2002 until 2004, stated plainly: "If I was in a headspace like I am now, yeah, I probably wouldn’t have left. But I can't change how my head was back then."
This introspection comes almost ten months after the BBC documentary Boybands Forever aired, which explored the intense pressures of life in a pop group. While some former boyband members were described as "traumatised" by their experiences, Brian presented a contrasting view. He confessed that, "out of all the people", he was "probably the one that was OK", claiming he "had the craic" and learned from "other people’s mistakes".
The Decision to Leave Westlife
McFadden's departure from Westlife in 2004 sent shockwaves through the pop world. He made the announcement during a press conference alongside his bandmates, citing his desire to spend more time with his wife Kerry and their two young daughters, Molly and Lily McFadden. The couple, who first met in 1999 and were engaged within months, seemed to have a whirlwind romance that captivated fans.
Despite the eventual breakdown of their marriage, Kerry Katona has also spoken fondly of Brian recently. On Paul C. Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast in September, she described him as "so funny" and said he "really loved" her. "I think he was the first proper person who genuinely cared about my well-being," Katona revealed. "He said 'I'm going to take you away from all that.' He was my knight in shining armour."
Life After Westlife and Moving Forward
Katona did note that McFadden prefers she doesn't discuss their relationship publicly, but she added, "He rescued me, I don't mind (talking about it)... that's part of my story." Meanwhile, Brian has moved on with his life. In July of this year, he married his long-term partner Danielle Parkinson in a beachside ceremony, his third wedding after previously being married to podcaster Vogue Williams. His daughters from his marriage to Katona were reportedly in attendance.
Fans can next see Brian McFadden showcasing his moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on BBC One, airing on Thursday, December 25, from 5.30pm to 6:45pm. His latest reflections offer a poignant look at the complexities of fame, relationships, and the personal growth that comes with time, reminding us that even pop stars ponder the road not taken.
