X Factor bosses are said to be keen for the remaining members of Boyzone, to perform a tribute to Stephen Gately on the show.

The Mirror reports that bosses are first waiting for approval from Louis Walsh, before approaching the band.

A source said: “Stephen was a very close friend of the ITV show. During a production meeting they were discussing ideas for guest performers. Boyzone were mentioned as an obvious choice.

“Everyone is painfully aware they need to be sensitive, so they have held back on a formal approach until they speak to Louis.

“But the huge outpouring of grief is hard to ignore. There have been a lot of messages asking the boys to do some kind of tribute to his life.”