X Factor judge Louis Walsh has spoken of his devastation at the sudden death of his friend Nicky Byrne's father.

Louis revealed that his year had been rocked by tragedies, admitting: “It just seems to be bad news on top of more bad news.”

Louis, who manages Nicky in Westlife, revealed the tight-knit band were deeply moved at the sudden passing of Nicky Snr, just weeks after Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died.

“It's crazy,” he said. “We are devastated and our thoughts and prayers are with Nicky and his family at this time.”

Fellow bandmate Kian Egan lost his father Kevin earlier this year and Louis added how it was hard to believe that a second father had passed away.

The band were due to embark on a promotional tour in Glasgow yesterday when they heard the bad news and immediately postponed their plans.

Nicky's mother-in-law Miriam Ahern said that the two families were very close and that it had been a huge shock for both Nicky and her daughter Georgina.

“He was a very lively kind of person, he was always good humoured and a much liked and loved man,” she said.

“He was truly well respected by everyone and he will definitely be missed by many. He was just a lovely, lovely man. Nicky and Georgina are understandably very upset. We're all still in shock, it's very difficult.”

Ms Ahern, ex-wife of former Taoiseach Bertie, said Nicky Snr was fit and well and they were stunned by the news. “He had no underlying medical conditions. It's unbelievable.”

It is understood that Mr Byrne (60) died following a heart attack in Dublin. Singer Nicky broke down in tears when he heard that his “best friend in the world” had passed away. Nicky (31), his brother Adam and sister Gillian have all rushed to be at their mother Yvonne's side.

Just a few weeks ago Nicky spoke of the close relationship his father had with his twin grandsons.

“I think it's an important bond to have and I'm delighted that they're so close,” he said.

“My father loves them to bits and always spoils them rotten.”

Almost a year ago Nicky threw a lavish birthday bash for his beloved father to mark his 60th birthday.

The generous star presented his dad with a top of the range Harley Davidson motorbike, worth almost €18,000, as a present.

Nicky's wife Georgina Ahern recently revealed how Nicky's father, along with the rest of the grandparents, was hoping that the couple would add to their brood, as they wanted more grandchildren to spoil.

“I would like to have more but I haven't made any plans just yet,” she said.