Ronan defends 'gentle' friend Cat

Pop star Ronan Keating has spoken out in defence of his friend Cat Stevens — branding his deportation from the US last week 'horrendous'.

The Irish solo singer has re-recorded Stevens' classic hit Father and Son with the former 70's star, who is now known as Yusuf Islam after converting to the religion. Stevens was refused entry to the US last week after his name was mistakenly put on a terrorist 'watch list' — and former Boyzone star Ronan can't believe the treatment he received.

"It's aboslutely horrendous. He's the most peaceful, gentle man in the world. They got it wrong, I think they know that, but I don't think he's been told yet," he says.

"We were talking on the phone yesterday about it. I mean, he can't believe it, in fact, he was laughing about it. I suppose it's the only way to look at it. Because he is the gentlest man I've ever met."

Ronan, who has remained good friends with Yusuf Islam since Boyzone covered Father and Son in 1995, refused to confirm whether the collaboration will be released yet as a single — and only says he "doesn't know" anything yet.

And the chance of such a single reaching the Christmas Number One spot? "Let's not even go there! That's dangerous territory..." he laughs.

Read more Ronan Keating in our interview with him TOMORROW!