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Thursday, 15 October 2009

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Louis Walsh: I'll break down if I read at Stephen Gately's funeral

The X Factor judge feels too emotional

Louis Walsh is Boyzone's manager

Louis Walsh has declined a request by Stephen Gately's family to speak at his funeral.

The Boyzone star will be laid to rest on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland.

‘They asked me to get involved but I couldn't stand up,' says Louis, 57. ‘I'd break down.

‘The emotions and nerves would be worse than any 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.'

Louis will miss Saturday's X Factor to attend the service, but is yet to make a decision about Sunday.

Stephen, 33, was found dead at his holiday home in Majorca on Saturday after a night out in Palma.

SEE PICTURES Stephen Gately - a life in pictures>>

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