Producers have confirmed that Louis Walsh will miss both X Factor shows this weekend.

Walsh will be attending Stephen Gately’s funeral on Saturday and will not be flying back to London for the Sunday night show.

A Talkback Thames spokesperson emailed Unreality TV saying: “Due to recent tragic events, Louis Walsh will not be appearing on either the Saturday or Sunday live The X Factor shows this weekend as he is attending Stephen Gately’s funeral.

“Louis has been in close contact with his acts throughout the week, although his opinions will not be represented in the show this weekend.”