X Factor judge Louis Walsh, has spoken to press for the first time about the death of Stephen Gately. Despite rumours that Stephen died after an eight hour booze bender, which led to him choking on his own vomit, Spanish officials insist that he died from wholly natural causes.

Talking about his last meeting with Stephen, which was just last week, Louis told The Sun:

“Stephen was never happier when I met him last Monday.

“I never saw him in better health or better form. We had a laugh as usual, things were going so well – I still can’t believe he’s gone.

“We’re all in shock. Nobody can believe it – Boyzone, me, nobody.

“The boys are devastated.

“It’s like they have lost their very, very best friend – and me too.”

He added:

“All Stephen lived for was to be singing music. He was down because the band was his life and they were his best friends and it was finished.

“But he picked himself up and got on to the West End. I think he was the glue in the band because he kept everybody happy.”

ITV sources say it is ‘unlikley’ that Louis will appear on this week’s X Factor, as Stephen’s funeral is expected to take place this Saturday, in Dublin.