He's shaved! He's sexy! He's a superstar! Get hot under the collar with Nicky!

Nicky in the spotlight!

Nicky the shaved look's v. sexy. Any past looks you cringe at now?
Around Swear It Again - what was I thinking and what was the hairdresser doing? My head looked like two footballs put together!

What other new stuff is getting you all excited?
Well, we're so excited about this album - it's not like the other two. We were a hugely-successful band, but with World Of Our Own we had to make the jump up to the level of the BSB and 'N Sync boys. Hopefully our fans are excited too!

Do you still play footie?
Whenever I can. Last summer I played a lot of five-a-side - I love football and I felt much fitter. I looked better too, which made me feel more confident. To keep my body toned I do weights, but for fitness I'd sooner play footie than run on treadmills.

So if the premier league called you up, would you jump at the chance?
Difficult! If I was offered the chance I'd take it, but only if it was the likes of Beckham, not as a goalie. When I played I was a goal keeper, which is very different from outfield players, who're in the thick of the action, scoring goals, celebrating when they score. And that's my kind of thing - to score a goal and do something different each time.

Nicky in love!

You're well loved-up. Any chance of stealing you from Georgina?
Nope, sorry! Moving in has been great for us. We were amazingly close anyway - we'd been together for seven years - but having our own place has been a commitment in a small way.

So how do you pass those long winter evenings?
Getting cosy. We get a Chinese, lounge on our big couch and watch TV. We turn the lights down, put candles on and cuddle up with a video.

Were you a good boyfriend when she was studying?
Yeah, I think so. I'd offer to help her, and any time she got stressed I'd say, "Come on, I'll test you." That always put her in a good mood. Even if I didn't end up having time to help she knew I wanted to.

How does she cope when you're away with the lads on tour?
It is difficult but Georgina's had me at home a lot this year. And while we were on tour she was in college and able to take time out to come and see me. It's going to be harder now the pressure's on.

Nicky in pop star heaven!

You're massive here. How huge are you guys in other places?
In France, Germany, Scandinavia, Asia, the UK and Ireland, we've been big since we started. Central Europe and South America's starting to explode. The only place not on the map for us yet is America.

So you're still planning a USA take-over?
There are plans to go there in March, release the single and do a video. Apparently they're raving about the new album. It's great, because we wrote seven of the songs on it.

Does that give you groovy feelings?
We wrote our own stuff before we had a record deal, and the songs we sang for Simon Cowell at the audition were our own. It's been fantastic working with world-class producers, but it's nice to be able to write again.

What are your personal faves from the album?
Shane and Bryan wrote a great song called Bop Bop Baby, and it's like the Beach Boys for 2001. it's the first time we've found our own cool, up-tempo sound. Until now we've sounded like we've got a bit of a Backstreet or 'N SYNC vibe.

Nicky in pop star hell!

Do Westilfe worries keep you awake at night?
No, but I've only just learned that work worry is pointless. Queen Of My Heart wasn't my first single choice, but it was the right decision. It's a grower that older people like as well as fans.

But are Westlife fretting over competition like Blue?
Yeah, we worry a little. Liberty, Hear'Say and Blue weren't even around this time last year. But it's good competition, and there's room for everyone. It's all about good songs at the end of the day.

D'ya reckon lads your age listen to boy bands in their bedrooms?
(nodding) A lot might slag it but there's loads of lads who'd like to be in a band like Westlife. You don't have to be gay. I liked Boyzone and now I've had the chance to do what those guys were doing!

We hear a greatest hits is in the pipelin
Next year, but three are no plans to split. We want to do a fourth studio album and more tours. We love being in front of fans. We're happy, our attitude is let's enjoy it for what is, it won't last forever. Westlife maybe only have three or five years left together. It'll carry on as long as we enjoy it and enjoy us.

Nicky in da house!

Apart from the foxy look, what's been a highlight of 2001?
(straight away) Buying my house. It felt amazing! I was 21 and 'cause of Westlife I was able to have that luxury. I bought it in February, but we started work on it in June. Georgina and I have only just moved in and now we're there, in our sitting room, on our sofa watching television. It's just incredible.

House stuff must be relaxing compared with being a superstar
Ha ha! No! Seriously, working on the house is the most stressful thing I've done in my life! Trying to fit things in and fix stuff is hard work. Honestly, when you're out in a shop and see something you think, "Will it fit in that corner?!" When you get home and it doesn't you're so frustrated! It's a great moment when you see it coming together. (laughs) What a sexy life I lead!

So stripping walls is yer new fave hobby of choice then!?
(laughs) Ah, it's good fun although our manager, who's had his won house for ages, says things never really get finished. Now that's a frightening thought!

What cosy comforts have you put in?
We've got a great pool table, and I've just bought a big juke box. I've found a 1932 gramophone too. You put then vinyl on and it sounds all crackly! But I love just stretching out on my sofa and watching loads of footie.

[Quelle: CD:UK Magazine]
Thanx to Franzi