Ronan Keating: 'Gately is still with us'

Ronan Keating has paid tribute to Stephen Gately a year after his death.

The Boyzone star revealed that he has struggled to come to terms with Gately's passing, describing the experience as "surreal".

"It's hard to believe it is a year. We still feel like he is still around and still with us," MTV quotes him as saying.

"It's like he's on holidays, and it's surreal to know that he has gone. I went up to mass… I had a bit of time on my own and said a few prayers."

Keating, who is currently a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor, also said that he is grateful to be surrounded by his bandmates on the anniversary of Gately's death.

"The boys are here which makes it a little bit easier. We try to be around each other on his birthday or whatever the day may be."

Boyzone will perform their hit 'Gave It All Away' as a tribute to the late singer with fellow judge Natalie Imbruglia on tonight's episode of the show. Footage of Gately singing the track will also be shown.

Keating added: "It's brilliant as long as we can honour and commemorate Stephen."

Gately died in his sleep on October 10 while on holiday in Majorca.