RONAN Keating’s return to the Bournemouth International Centre was a bitter-sweet affair as he recalled his last visit here three years ago had been with Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately.

The tragic death of his “best friend” coloured many sad songs with a deeper hue of pathos and yet the highs and lows created by the Life Is A Rollercoaster singer left his delighted fans on an undisputed high.

The capacity crowd fell silent as he recalled: “October 10 was the worst day of my life when I heard ‘Steo’ had passed away.

“It still seems wrong and I’m still dealing with it every day.

“We are just putting one foot in front of the other each day and seeing where the road leads us.”

Despite his emotional tribute, including a performance of In This Life, the Collin Raye song Gately always sang backstage and which Ronan had sung at the funeral, the show took on a celebratory feel as it visited many of the uplifting, sunshine-fuelled pop songs and romantic ballads from Ronan’s Boy Zone and solo careers.

With a 20ft backdrop displaying everything from snowflakes and roses to racy images of a semi-clothed Ronan sprawled on a bed, and a cracking band including a stunning string quartet, this was an impressive production.

His voice never sounded better and with so many infectious hits, from his Notting Hill theme tune When You Say Nothing at All, to The Way You Make Me Feel, and the roof-raising Life Is A Roller-Coaster, the atmosphere was electric.

Seeming to spend a little longer taking his applause, he left with the broadest of smiles and a promise he would return.

In fact, Boyzone are to announce new tour dates this week which will include Bournemouth.

• Meanwhile Coronation Street star Keith Duffy has announced he is leaving the soap for a second time to concentrate on Boyzone following Stephen’s death.