Boyzone lead tributes to Stephen Gately

Boyzone led tributes to their "friend and brother" Stephen Gately today, saying he was a "beautiful person in both body and spirit".

Stars of the music world, including Sir Elton John and Andrew Lloyd Webber, praised the 33-year-old singer, calling his "untimely death" in Majorca a "tragedy".

Westlife said Gately helped pave the way for them in the music industry while former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described him as a "fine musician".

Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch said: "We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen.

"We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more.

"Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world.

"Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen's family. We love you and will miss you forever 'Steo'."