Louis Walsh will not appear on The X Factor live result show following the death of Boyzone member Stephen Gately, 33, who died yesterday while on holiday with his husband Andrew Cowles in Mallorca.
ITV received the following statement earlier today: "Louis Walsh will not be appearing on tonights live The X Factor results show following the tragic sudden death of Stephen Gately. The other judges - Simon, Dannii & Cheryl - will continue with the show in the usual way. Our thoughts are with Stephen's family and friends at this difficult time."
Sarah Lee, the head of TV Publicity at Hackford Jones PR has spoke on behalf of The X Factor on Twitter: “He thanks you all for the messages of support at this sad time.”
All four remaining members of Boyzone – Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham will fly out to Mallorca today. However, a spokeswoman for Louis has said that The X Factor group mentor will not be travelling to Spain with the boys.
As founder and manager of Boyzone, Louis worked closely with the group for many years, with the Irish act becoming one of the most successful boy bands of the 1990s. The group split on 2000 but were reunited in 2008 and spoke to STV about their reunion.
Lead singer Ronan Keating was recently on The X Factor helping out Louis whittle his groups category down to the final three acts.
“We’re all absolutely devastated,” Walsh told the News of the World. I’m in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony.”
A spokesman for The X Factor has said there will be no musical tributes to the Irish star on tonight’s show but that judge Simon Cowell will say something on behalf of Louis.
The show will also start differently tonight with the judges beginning the show in their seats rather than the usual grand entrance. It is not sure how the format of the show following Louis’ absence but there is already growing speculation that a guest judge will be asked to appear.
Dannii Minogue, fellow judge on The X Factor, paid her respects on Twitter: “My thoughts go out to Andrew Cowles, and the boys Ronan, Keith, Shane and Mikey. Much love to Louis.”
