Gately death not suspicious, say police

Police investigating the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately said there were “no signs of suspicious circumstances” today.

The 33-year-old Irish pop star and actor was on holiday with his long-term partner in Majorca when he “tragically died” yesterday, according to the Boyzone Tour website.

A spokesman for the police in Spain said Gately died at 1.45pm yesterday in his house in Port Andratx, and added: “At the moment it is not known how he died. There are no signs of suspicious circumstances.”

The Guardia Civil is investigating the death, the police spokesman added.

The four remaining members of the band would be flying out to the Spanish island today, a message on the band’s tour website said.

The circumstances surrounding Gately’s death remained unclear but the News of the World reported he died after a night out.

Boyzone manager Louis Walsh told the newspaper: “We’re all absolutely devastated.”

A spokeswoman for Walsh said he was “very shocked and exceptionally upset”.

No changes have been made to tonight’s 'The X Factor' finals at the moment, and Walsh is still planning to appear as one of the judges on the hit ITV show, but the situation may change later.

Speaking to the newspaper last night, band member Shane Lynch said: “Me and the boys are flying out in the morning.

“We just need to get over to where he’s passed and work out what we need to do.”

Gately, who married his partner Andrew Cowles in a civil union in 2006, sent ripples through the pop music world ten years ago when he announced that he was gay.

He joined Boyzone in 1993 after answering an advert in Dublin to audition for Ireland’s first boyband.

The band went on to enjoy huge success with six number one singles, but split up in 2000.

They reunited seven years later, but their recent 19-date Better tour failed to fill stadiums, despite offers of free tickets.

Gately also starred in West End musicals, including 'Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat', and appeared on the ITV1 show 'Dancing on Ice'.

He last posted a message on his Twitter page on October 6, writing: “Still busy, lots going on. Focusing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here.”