Published Sunday, 22 July 2012
The Boyzone star split from his childhood sweetheart Yvonne after a fling with a backing dancer hit the headlines in 2010, and his efforts at a reconciliation failed.
Now Keating has moved out of the family home in Malahide and insists the prospect of single life frightens him.
He told the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine: "Now I'm a free spirit for the first time in years, but I didn't want that. I realise I liked being in a relationship ... Being on my own is all new to me.
"I was young when I got married - just 21. So to be suddenly on my own, at 35, is weird."
He added: "Although I'm single now, I can't contemplate dating again. That's the last thing on my mind. The thought terrifies me ...
"My greatest fear is to be alone. That and failure. I don't feel lonely now because I've been travelling, but when you're on your own at home, it hits you."