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WESTLIFE singer Nicky Byrne has been announced as the 2013 St Patrick's Day parade Grand Marshall.
The father-of-two follows in the footsteps of John Giles, Katie Taylor and Ronnie Drew to hold the festival title.
Speaking at the announcement, 33-year-old Byrne said he was "very proud" to take on the position.
"I've always tried my best to fly our flag around the world in all the amazing Places I've been to with Westlife, so to be asked to play such a poignant role on our national holiday is special."
It will be a day of "nerves and excitement" as Byrne steps out of his comfort zone - his first festival at home in years. The singer, who has expressed an interest in a career in TV presenting, will also host the highlights programme, which will be televised on March 18.
The St Patrick's Day parade this year is billed as the People's Parade, as part of The Gathering festival. Over 8000 people from around the world have been invited to march and participate in the parade.
Byrne recently appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC.
The former Westlife star made it into Heat magazine's Sexiest Men Alive top 20, leaping from number 71 to number 15 following his appearance on the show.
According to Heat: “When a man can make a green Jim Carrey face look sexy as he did on Strictly, you know he’s pretty special.”
