Boyzone star dies in his sleep

Boyzone's members, manager and fans have been left devastated following the death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately on Saturday.

"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," said Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, who is also a judge on the UK's X Factor TV talent show.

"He was a great man."

Gately, whose revelation that he was gay a decade ago sent shock waves through the pop music world, was found dead at his villa on the Spanish island of Majorca, reported The News of The World.

The cause of his death was unclear.

A source told the newspaper: "It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up."

Last year, Gately reunited with Ronan Keating and the other members of Boyzone who are now planning to fly to Majorca to mourn with the singer's family and friends.

Boyzone star 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."

Boyzone member Ronan Keating, who is in the US, is devastated, says a source.

"Ronan is completely distraught. No one saw this coming. He loved Stephen like a brother, they were so close, it's absolutely floored him."

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