The Mallorca

Gately (right) with Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating
Boyzone star Stephen Gately has died while on holiday on Mallorca. The singer and actor, who was 33, is said to have died after a night out, but no further details are known at present. His death has been confirmed on the official Boyzone website.

Louis Walsh, the manager of Boyzone and X Factor judge, told one newspaper: ”We’re all absolutely devastated.” He added: ”I’m in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony. We don’t know much about what’s happened yet.

In a separate newspaper interview a close friend of the singer is reported as saying: “It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up.”

The four remaining members of Boyzone are now due to fly to Palma.

Shane Lynch, a band member, told the News of the World: ”Me and the boys are flying out in the morning.”

A statement on Boyzone’s official website confirmed the Irish singer’s death.

It said: “Stephen tragically died yesterday whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew in Mallorca.”

“The rest of the boyz will be flying out today.”

Apart from singing with the Irish band Boyzone, Gately will be remembered for his rendition of Jesus in the touring musical Godspell.

Boyzone had 17 UK top five singles and four number one albums before splitting in 2000. They made a comeback tour in 2007, however their recent 19-date Better tour was deemed a flop as the band played to half-filled arenas.