Ronan Keating has paid tribute to Stephen Gatelyexactly one year on from the star’s untimely death.

"It's hard to believe it is a year. We still feel like he is still around and still with us. It's like he's on holidays, and it's surreal to know that he has gone,” Ronan explained, adding that he spent time on his own on the weekend to remember his friend. "I went up to mass… I had a bit of time on my own and said a few prayers.”

Ronan is based in Sydney for several months as he appears as a judge on the Australian version ofBoyzone bandmates Shane Lynchhad flown out to join him. “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.”

The trio will perform a tribute to Stephen on Aussie X Factor on Monday night. Fellow judge Natalie Imbrugliawill join them in Keith Duffy’s place, as Corrie commitments meant he couldn’t make the trip. Footage of Gately singing the track, Gave It All Away, will be shown on a big screen. "It's brilliant as long as we can honour and commemorate Stephen," Ronan said.

The singer died in his sleep, aged 33, in Majorca on October 10, 2009.