Louis Walsh Not On X Factor This Weekend, To Pay Respects To Stephen Gately

Louis Walsh will be noticeably absent from the X Factor this coming weekend as the music manager will be attending Stephen Gately‘s funeral.
The X Factor has released this official statement:

“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.”

Walsh put Boyzone together in the early ’90s and was very close with Stephen.
Sad, sad.
[Image via WENN.]