Boyzone singer Gately confirms he is gay before story can be sold

Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has announced that he is gay

Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has announced that he is gay. Gately (23), a member of the five-strong band, took the decision to go public after hearing that he might be "outed" - have his orientation disclosed by others.

A statement issued yesterday by the group's press office, the Outside Organisation, said: "Boy zone's Stephen Gately today confirmed that he is gay.

"Stephen recently discovered that someone was trying to sell this story to newspapers. He made a decision to tell the fans himself and has chosen to do so in tomorrow's Sun newspaper. He hopes tomorrow's interview will explain all to the fans and bring an end to the matter."

Boyzone have had a string of number ones and 13 consecutive top five singles in the UK. Their most recent CD, By Request, is number one in the UK albums chart.