Walsh reflects on 'X Factor' return

Louis Walsh has spoken of how his fellow X Factor judges gave him a warm welcome when he returned to work last week.

The Irish star missed three live shows following the death of his close friend Stephen Gately earlier this month.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Walsh explained: "I didn't really know what it would be like coming back on the show after everything that has happened. I was all over the place after the funeral and I took a couple of days to come to terms with the loss.

"But when I came back to London the first person I bumped into was Simon [Cowell] and he was unbelievable. He didn't stand on ceremony, he again paid his respects and told me that I was missed. After that it was business as usual and I just threw myself into work."

He continued: "Cheryl [Cole] and Dannii [Minogue] gave me big hugs, but again, after that, it was a competition and we just got on with the work. It was nice of them, but I just tried to get on with things."

Walsh lost his second act Miss Frank on Sunday. Dublin-born brothers John and Edward Grimes are now his last remaining contestants in the competition.