They captured the hearts of the nation with their pop ballads before bidding farewell to the world of music in 2012.

But it seems that Westlife are getting back together, as the Irish Sun reported on Sunday that the boyband have plans to reunite under label Universal Music Group.

A source told the paper: 'It's signed, sealed and delivered and it's definitely happening — and it absolutely does not include Brian McFadden.'

They're back! Westlife 'to REUNITE after 6 years as they plan to continue without Brian McFadden and join a new record label' it was reported on Sunday (pictured in 2010)

They continued: 'The other guys have been lined up to return to the studio and record some new songs and tour dates have even been organised, so it's definitely going ahead this time.

'There's been a lot of speculation, but this time it's a done deal and contracts have been signed.'

What's more, Ed Sheeran is said to have penned the band's comeback single.

The Sun reports: 'Westlife have really been pulling out all the stops for their big comeback and were desperate to get Ed on board.

At the helm? Ed Sheeran is said to have penned the band's comeback single

'It took quite some time to pull together and has been done totally behind closed doors, but he has finally given them the right record to make it happen.

'Having Ed involved is a huge coup. They think he will give them a contemporary edge for their reunion. They have already recorded the song and are delighted with the results. They’re just pulling together the final promo details including a video before they unveil it. It’s going to be huge.'

Louis Walsh teased the band's comeback last year, telling RSVP Live magazine that a reunion for the Flying Without Wings singers was definitely on the cards.

Making their mark: The group were propelled into the limelight in 1998 but disbanded in 2012, with their 20th anniversary coming this year (pictured with Brian McFadden, top left in 2000)

'A Westlife reunion is definitely going to happen - but I have no idea when,' the music manager said at the time.

He added: 'I'm still really good friends with all of the lads. I think the reunion will be great, but it's up to them to decide when they will do it.'

The group were propelled into the limelight in 1998 but the boy band disbanded in 2012, with their 20th anniversary being celebrated this year.

Preparing: The source said, 'The other guys have been lined up to return to the studio and record some new songs and tour dates have even been organised' (pictured in 2011)

Westlife were one of the UK's biggest boybands, first breaking onto the scene in 1999 with Swear It Again, leading to 13 UK Number One singles and ten Top Ten UK albums.

Fans were distraught when the group decided to split in 2011, embarking on a farewell tour to celebrate their 14 years in the music business.

The group became a foursome, made up of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan, in 2004 following the departure of Brian McFadden.

Representatives for Westlife have been contacted for comment.