A spokeswoman for Boyzone yesterday denied there were any plans to call it a day in the near future. The group members - whose single No Matter What was recently judged the year's best single in a national phone poll in the UK - were reported to be ready to go their separate ways in two years.
"It's just not true. They're enjoying being Boyzone more than they ever have before," a spokeswoman for the group said. Their manager, Mr Louis Walsh, has been quoted as saying: "I give the boys just two more years and then I think we'll call it a day."
Speculation has mounted because of the increasing number of solo projects in which members of the band are engaged. There is also a greatest hits album to be released in May next year.
However, the group's lead singer, Ronan Keating, addressed the issue 10 days ago when he spoke to reporters backstage at a TV special.
"We've all got individual stuff happening next year. But we're not breaking up by any means," said Keating.
The Boyzone spokeswoman said: "There are absolutely no plans for the band to split whatsoever. They've always said that they'll go on for as long as the fans want them to."
The members of the band have been involved with numerous solo projects over the past few months, with Keating establishing a flourishing career as a TV presenter.
He has already hosted MTV Europe's award ceremony this year, as well as the coverage of Miss World 1998 and will front a new BBC talent show to be screened next year. Keating also co-manages up-and-coming boy band Westside, who are tipped for big things in 1999.
Shane Lynch of Boyzone has developed an interest in motorcycle racing and Stephen Gately has solo singing plans.
The spokeswoman said: "They're always going to do these other things on the side because it keeps things fresh."
Boyzone recently swept the board at the Smash Hits Awards, winning Best Band on the Planet, Best Single of '98 for No Matter What, and Best Pop video.