X Factor judge Louis Walsh has admitted that he won’t be on this week’s Saturday night show as he will be attending the funeral of Stephen Gately that day. Louis, 57, also revealed that although he was asked, he doesn’t intend to speak at the service.

Louis told The Sun:

“They asked me to get involved but I couldn’t stand up. I’d break down.

“The emotions and nerves would be worse than any X Factor show. I don’t like real life – that’s why I love the pop business, it’s not real. The funeral will hit me hard because it still hasn’t sunk in that he’s gone. I’m dazed.

He added: “It will be an awful, dreadful day. It will be so draining for everyone.

“But it will be a celebration of his life. If he’s looking down on us from heaven, he’s going to love it and be so proud.

“He gave the world so much joy, so it’s only right that’s how we remember him.”