Shane Filan was told he was fat by Simon Cowell

Former Westlife singer Shane Filan has revealed he was called fat by his mentor, music mogul Simon Cowell, during the heyday of the Irish boy band.

Back in 2003, the singer had made an appearance on Saturday morning TV show "SMTV Live" - hosted by Ant Mcpartlin, Dec Donnelly and Cat Deeley - when he received a phone call from Simon, who bluntly told him "you look a bit fat kiddo".

But Shane said he appreciated Simon's honesty, reported Contactmusic.

"Basically, it's a day I will never forget. Westlife spent every year and album with Simon. It was around the third album, Westlife was massive at the time. When everything is going great, you maybe lose the run of yourself a little. I thought I was looking alright," Shane recalled.
 

"I flew back to Ireland after doing 'SMTV Live' and got a call that evening. I put on weight and I didn't realise. I never really struggled with weight but this year I did. Nobody else was telling me. I got the call and I knew it was him. It's usually important if Simon calls us. He said, 'It's Simon. You look fat kiddo. I was watching the TV today and you look fat. Nobody else would you. It doesn't suit you kiddo'," he added.