Stephen Gately

Boyzone singer, Stephen Gately, has been found dead while on holiday in Majorca with partner Andrew Cowles.

The announcement, made via the group's tour website said that he had "tragically died" on Saturday 10, and the rest of the band would be flying out to Majorca today (Sunday 11).

Reports are sketchy but early reports suggest he returned to his holiday accommodation after a night out drinking, went to sleep and never woke up.

Gately caused a stir in the music industry in 1999 when he announced he was gay.

He entered into a Civil Partnership with his partner Andrew Cowles in 2006.

Professional credits after Boyzone split in 2000 include starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and playing the children catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End and ITV's Reality TV series Dancing On Ice.

Gately was enjoying renewed success with Boyzone after the band reformed in 2008 and a new album was planned in 2010.

Gately was born in Ireland in March 1976.