Walsh to miss X Factor for funeral

Oct 15 2009

X Factor judge Louis Walsh has confirmed he will miss this weekend's shows while he attends Stephen Gately's funeral on Saturday.

There had been speculation about whether the Boyzone manager would be able to make the programmes as he mourned his close friend.

A statement from the show's producers said: "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."

The statement added: "Louis has been in close contact with his acts throughout the week, although his opinions will not be represented in the show this weekend."

Meanwhile, Gately's grief-stricken Boyzone bandmates have visited the church where his funeral will be held.

Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy made a brief trip to the Dublin inner city chapel to meet the local priest ahead of the service on Saturday.

The four were flanked by security at St Laurence O'Toole's while they discussed arrangements with local police.

Local children cheered as the solemn-looking singers walked from a school adjoining the church before being driven out in the back of a police van.

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