British boyband Blue have hit out at pop rivals Westlife, claiming they planned to record a rat pack-style album before the Irish group.

The Obvious band recently revealed their intention to release an LP based on the hits of singing greats Frank SInatra, Dean Martin among others, ready for Christmas.

But Blue are upset because they had the idea first.

Singer Duncan James says, “We actually had an idea to do that album before Westlife but they conveniently took it up first. They’re a bunch of wets.”

Blue are meanwhile rumoured to be splitting for good next year. Music mogul Louis Walsh revealed last week “I know for a fact Blue are going to break up.”

“Simon and Lee will probably have big solo careers and the other two will probably end up as TV presenters.”