Boyzone star holds gay wedding in London

By Benjamin Cohen • March 19, 2006 - 0:00

Former Boyzone singer Stephen Gately today married his gay partner

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Former Boyzone singer Stephen Gately today married his gay partner in a civil ceremony at an exclusive hotel next door to Buckingham Palace.

The 30-year-old singer had previously held a commitment ceremony with the internet entrepreneur, Andy Cowles, in Las Vegas three years ago.

A spokesman for the Goring Hotel said that Sir Elton John, who was expected to be one of the guests, was not present. He refused to disclose the other guests at the star's wedding: "It doesn't matter how many were there. It's a private function and that's the end of the story," he said.

Former Boyzone manager and X-Factor judge, Louis Walsh was unable to attend due to illness. "I couldn't make it because I've got a touch of the flu. But I think Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch (former members of Boyzone) are going," he said.

Gately first came into the public eye when he played a small part in the Alan Parker film the Commitments in 1991. In 1993, he joined the Irish band, Boyzone.

The manufactured boy band scored six UK number ones and sold over ten million albums. The band split in 1999 following the decision of lead singer, Ronan Keating to pursue a solo career.

Gately attempted his own solo career but was dropped by his record label in 2001. Since then he has led a successful career as a musical actor.

The star had previously said that he would have preferred to wed in Ireland, but the country has yet to introduce civil partnerships for gay couples.

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