These days Westlife are minus Bryan McFadden but Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan don't let that bother them. Their new CD Allow Us To Be Frank has been released and brings forth the ratpack-era with songs by Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jnr.

The No. 1's Tour arrives in South Africa on 5 April and combines hits with songs from their new album.

Nicky, the one with the blond hair and sea-blue eyes, has been choosen to talk to Jip. A friendlier man you couldn't find, especially once you realise how rich and famous he is. To Afrikaans ears, the Irish accent is a bit difficult to understand from time to time but that just makes him even sexier. So considering the language barrier and my nervousness, I managed to relax in order to find out more about what Nicky and Westlife are up to these days.

You were in SA in 2001. Why did you decide to include us in your tour again?
In 2001 we wanted to find out how big our following was in SA. It was amazing and we love the people, the weather and the atmosphere in South Africa. Now that we know how much everyone likes us, we will come again.

Why did you decide to do an old-school album such as Allow us to be Frank? Wasn't it a risk?
Yes, it was naturally a bit risky. We wanted to make sure that our next album would also be a hit with all the best of that genre. We all really got into character for the Rat Pack album and I believe that we delivered a quality product. I think that with Allow us to be Frank we broke into a new genre a little bit. People who wouldn't necessarily buy our pop albums might buy this one.

What motivates you?
We hunger after success. There are no other boybands who have stayed together for so long. We've already got things right which others couldn't and we make sure that all our songs are top class standard. It gets more difficult to have hits and to stay together the longer you are in the band, but we work hard to be successful.

How did you feel when Bryan McFadden said goodbye to Westlife?
We were shattered. It was horrible for us. But people have to look forward and carry on. I think it brought those of us remaining in the band far closer together. We realised how easily things can go wrong among the devastation when a person leaves. And I think we got it sorted and managed to fill the gap that Bryan left.

So, do you have plans to split in the next few years?
None of us knows what will happen in the future. We just take each day and each album as it comes. Each album has its own style so we don't get tired of what we do.

If you could, what era would you like to make music in?
The 60s, without doubt! I'm crazy about the Beatles and what they did. I think it would be great to have grown up with the music my parents had in the 1960s.

Who is naughty one in the band?
That's me! I am always busy with something to make the others laugh, or playing jokes on them, winding them up.

Who gets the most girls?
Mark. Myself and Shane are married and Kian has a girlfriend.

Is there a rugby supporter in the group?
Shane is a great rugby fan. I prefer to watch football, but we are all glued to the television when international games are on.

Advice to young people?
I don't like to preach but remember to treat others as you would want to be treated. You never know when you will meet again.

What question has no journalist ever asked you before?
Mmm... oooeer... 'What do we eat before a concert?' We are supposed to eat healthy food such as chicken, greens, salad and water, but we almost never eat that!

So you drink before a concert?
No, but we make a plan to drink afterwards!