Boyzone barred Farrell

Hollywood hellraiser Colin Farrell was almost signed up by Boyzone - but his antics proved too much for Ronan Keating, it emerged yesterday.

Before finding fame in such films as Minority Report and Phone Booth, Farrell auditioned to join the band's original line-up.

But manager Louis Walsh said Keating, who had already secured his place, warned him: 'Don't give him the gig. If you do, he's going to cause real problems.' Walsh added: 'It was obvious Colin would be the favourite in the group.

All the girls were watching him at the audition. Colin certainly looked the part, even if he couldn't sing at all well. But then none of them could!'