Westlife's Shane Filan has landed a solo record deal.

The singer - who separated from his band mates in June after completing a farewell tour - is hard at work on his first solo album after signing with London Records.

The 33-year-old star hopes to release his first material early in 2013.

Former band mate Mark Feehily, 32, is also set to go solo and has signed with Paul McCartney's manager to launch his career.

Westlife - which also included Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan - announced they were to split in October 2011, and said an emotional goodbye to fans at a final show in Dublin over the summer.

Nicky, 34, went on to appear in UK TV show 'Strictly Come Dancing', while Kian, 32, is also hoping to launch a career in TV.

Shane - who has three children, Nicole, Patrick and Peter, with wife Gillian - has had to deal with some financial trouble recently, as he was declared bankrupt earlier this year with debts amassing £18 million.

The singer's financial downfall came after he and his brother Finbarr's property development company, Shafin Developments, collapsed owing millions to the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank.

He said at the time: ''Together with a team of financial and legal experts I have spent months exploring all possible alternatives to bankruptcy but to no avail.

''I have worked long and hard to try to reduce my debts, and I am devastated that it came to this conclusion.''