I Love A Man In Tights!
The star talks love, celeb pals - and those Boyzone reunion rumours!
We've all been there. You're halfway through putting on your fake tan when the phone rings. This is exactly the sticky situation poor Stephen Gately finds himself in when we call him for our interview. "Sorry, I just need to wash my hands," he tells us, ever so politely. "I don't normally wear fake tan, but I feel pasty today."
Now appearing before millions every week on Saturday night juggernaut Dancing On Ice, you can understand why the former Boyzone star wouldn't want to look anything other than bronzed and beautiful.
Since Boyzone split in 1999, Stephen, now 30, had a brief flirtation with a solo music career, before starring in West End smashes Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And the openly gay star also found time to marry long-term partner Andrew Cowles in March last year.
Once Stephen's hands are suitably clean and there's no danger of the colour streaking, we resume our chat. And there's a lot to cover, from married life and open relationships to that long-rumoured Boyzone reunion!
So, has Dancing On Ice given you a bruised bum?
"[Laughs] You have no idea! This is much harder than I ever thought it would be. I'm so nervous about falling flat on my arse in front of millions on live TV. I have to down Rescue Remedy before the show!"
Who do you get on with best behind the scenes?
"I love Kyran Bracken, he's a really good laugh. But Claire Buckfield, Lisa Scott-Lee and Ulrika Jonsson are lovely, too."
But Ulrika was accused of being homophobic in 2004 for saying she didn't think Corrie should air a gay kiss at 7.30pm...
"I never knew she said that. She's been so nice to me and I'm sure she knows I'm gay. She doesn't come across as homophobic and I wouldn't be friendly with her if she was. I'll have to get my Andrew down and just kiss the face off him in front of her - see what she's got to say about that! I'm sure she wouldn't say anything, though. I'm going to ask her about it next time I see her..."
Duncan James from Blue is on the show, too. Is there any boyband rivalry there at all?
"No! I knew you were going to ask me that - but there's not. I'm doing this show to gain a skill - there's no rivalry."
Some people say reality TV is for people with no careers. Do you worry about being tarred with that brush?
"No, because I'm not hungry for exposure. I'm not doing this to kick-start my solo career or anything, I'm moving more into acting now. I'm not really thinking on the musical side."
But those Boyzone reunion rumours refuse to go away, don't they?
"I know! Every year they come around - and they have done since we split in 1999!"
So will you reunite?
"I'd love it to happen and if it was just up to me, it would. But I hate saying anything until it's all signed and agreed - which it isn't. But it might happen..."
Are some of the boys dragging their feet?
"No, it's just trying to get five people in a room at the same time is so difficult. Two of us live in London, the other three are in Ireland and doing other projects."
Is Ronan the most difficult one to get to commit?
"Well, he's so busy, he's got a successful solo career, plus loads of charity commitments."
What is your relationship like with Ronan now?
"Good, he texted me last night."
Why didn't you speak for ages after the split?
"It wasn't a long time. Well actually it was, it was a year."
Why was that?
"We were both busy."
Isn't that just an excuse?
"Well, when we split, we were supposed to get back together a year later to do a tour and new album, and that didn't happen. And I was angry that it didn't happen, Ronan was too busy. If we'd signed a contract to do it, we would have had to do it - but we hadn't. We just took each other's word for it."
How did you eventually build bridges?
"Life's too short and it takes more energy to hold a grudge than to just talk to somebody. I can't even remember when we made up, but I went to his Emerald And Ivy Ball last month and we got up and sang No Matter What together."
What do you make of Take That's comeback?
"I love it! It's amazing. When I look at Take That, I don't have an ounce of jealousy as it's such an amazing thing they've done. I'm really pleased for them, they're such lovely guys."
Does their success make it more intimidating to reform Boyzone?
"I wouldn't say so. We don't have to go back and be exactly as we were. We can't be doing the dance routines anymore - we're all in our thirties now. Although saying that, Take That are flying around on stage - incredible! I saw them perform at Elton John's White Tie & Tiara Ball last year. I was up there at the front, dancing my head off."
Growing up, did you ever have a crush on any of Take That?
"They're all very attractive guys, and I had the Take That & Party album when I was younger."
You're dodging the question, Stephen!
"Erm, Gary was my favourite. He's quite handsome. I think he looks even better now, too. Actually, they all do."
Has Robbie lost the plot?"
I think Robbie is just on a break at the moment. I didn't like the Rudebox single, I must admit, but I haven't heard the rest of the album. He just needs another cracking song."
Are you still good mates with Louis Walsh, too?
"I love him! We have such a laugh - we went to Matt Lucas' wedding together. I wish I'd had the relationship I have with him now when I was in the group."
So what was your relationship like before?
"He was the boss and it wasn't as easy. I got the job done but it wasn't like he was a mate."
Do you ever feel like giving him a good slap these days?
"I would never slap Louis - but I'd maybe throw a glass of water on him [laughs]!"
You got married last March. Do you think you make a good husband?
"I'm a fabulous husband [laughs]! I love to cook and clean - I'm a bit of a house husband actually!"
What do you and Andrew bicker about?
"We argue if the cushions aren't fluffed! What a terrible gay stereotype that is, eh?! If the house gets too cluttered I just can't stand that, I hate a load of dishes left in the sink when the dishwasher is there right beside it. It's just unnecessary."
Boy George said that gay marriage is "tragic" as it "mimics what obviously doesn't work for straight people". He also said he is "looking forward to gay divorces". What do you say to that?
"I don't think anything at all about it. It's a Boy George-ism and he would come out with something like that. He's an alright bloke but he has always been controversial."
Do you think George Michael has had a fall from grace this year?
"No, not at all. His tour sold out and his album was No 1. 1 love George and [his partner] Kenny. Whatever they do in their personal life is their business."
Would you have an open relationship like them?
"No, personally I couldn't. But George isn't hurting anyone and who am I to question it? It's all about what works for the them."
Would you and Andrew like children?
"No, not at the moment. I would much rather adopt than do the surrogacy thing, but kids are something you have to dedicate a lot of time to, and I don't have that time at the moment."
Has all the controversy over Madonna adopting put you off?
"Yes, but of course you're opening yourself up to criticism by adopting in the public eye - especially as a gay couple - but I think people need to focus on the child and the fact that Madonna's son is getting a better life and a better education."
You're very good friends with Elton, so we take it you've met the Beckhams a fair few times?
"Yes, I don't really know them and I'm not mates with them, but when I see them they're always very friendly. I think Victoria gets a lot of bad press and it's unfair. It's remarkable what she's done with her career while raising a family and dealing with all the things written about her."
Does she look as thin in the flesh as she does in pictures?
"I don't know. The last time that I saw her she looked really well, though."
Do you think that she is too thin?
"I think it's her own business and she looks really good. But generally, I like women to have a bit of meat on them. The whole 'size zero' thing is worrying."
Now, we know you're a taken man, but who's your top celebrity crush?
"Ooh [laughs], can I have two? Tom Welling or Brandon Routh. They're both very hot."
And they both play Superman... Do you like a man in tights then?
"[Laughs] Yes! A man with that kind of build in a Superman costume. Oh, yes..." •
Catch Stephen in Dancing On Ice, Saturdays on ITV1.
© Star Magazine, 23/1/07
<< back
We've all been there. You're halfway through putting on your fake tan when the phone rings. This is exactly the sticky situation poor Stephen Gately finds himself in when we call him for our interview. "Sorry, I just need to wash my hands," he tells us, ever so politely. "I don't normally wear fake tan, but I feel pasty today."
Now appearing before millions every week on Saturday night juggernaut Dancing On Ice, you can understand why the former Boyzone star wouldn't want to look anything other than bronzed and beautiful.
Since Boyzone split in 1999, Stephen, now 30, had a brief flirtation with a solo music career, before starring in West End smashes Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And the openly gay star also found time to marry long-term partner Andrew Cowles in March last year.
Once Stephen's hands are suitably clean and there's no danger of the colour streaking, we resume our chat. And there's a lot to cover, from married life and open relationships to that long-rumoured Boyzone reunion!
So, has Dancing On Ice given you a bruised bum?
"[Laughs] You have no idea! This is much harder than I ever thought it would be. I'm so nervous about falling flat on my arse in front of millions on live TV. I have to down Rescue Remedy before the show!"
Who do you get on with best behind the scenes?
"I love Kyran Bracken, he's a really good laugh. But Claire Buckfield, Lisa Scott-Lee and Ulrika Jonsson are lovely, too."
But Ulrika was accused of being homophobic in 2004 for saying she didn't think Corrie should air a gay kiss at 7.30pm...
"I never knew she said that. She's been so nice to me and I'm sure she knows I'm gay. She doesn't come across as homophobic and I wouldn't be friendly with her if she was. I'll have to get my Andrew down and just kiss the face off him in front of her - see what she's got to say about that! I'm sure she wouldn't say anything, though. I'm going to ask her about it next time I see her..."
Duncan James from Blue is on the show, too. Is there any boyband rivalry there at all?
"No! I knew you were going to ask me that - but there's not. I'm doing this show to gain a skill - there's no rivalry."
Some people say reality TV is for people with no careers. Do you worry about being tarred with that brush?
"No, because I'm not hungry for exposure. I'm not doing this to kick-start my solo career or anything, I'm moving more into acting now. I'm not really thinking on the musical side."
But those Boyzone reunion rumours refuse to go away, don't they?
"I know! Every year they come around - and they have done since we split in 1999!"
So will you reunite?
"I'd love it to happen and if it was just up to me, it would. But I hate saying anything until it's all signed and agreed - which it isn't. But it might happen..."
Are some of the boys dragging their feet?
"No, it's just trying to get five people in a room at the same time is so difficult. Two of us live in London, the other three are in Ireland and doing other projects."
Is Ronan the most difficult one to get to commit?
"Well, he's so busy, he's got a successful solo career, plus loads of charity commitments."
What is your relationship like with Ronan now?
"Good, he texted me last night."
Why didn't you speak for ages after the split?
"It wasn't a long time. Well actually it was, it was a year."
Why was that?
"We were both busy."
Isn't that just an excuse?
"Well, when we split, we were supposed to get back together a year later to do a tour and new album, and that didn't happen. And I was angry that it didn't happen, Ronan was too busy. If we'd signed a contract to do it, we would have had to do it - but we hadn't. We just took each other's word for it."
How did you eventually build bridges?
"Life's too short and it takes more energy to hold a grudge than to just talk to somebody. I can't even remember when we made up, but I went to his Emerald And Ivy Ball last month and we got up and sang No Matter What together."
What do you make of Take That's comeback?
"I love it! It's amazing. When I look at Take That, I don't have an ounce of jealousy as it's such an amazing thing they've done. I'm really pleased for them, they're such lovely guys."
Does their success make it more intimidating to reform Boyzone?
"I wouldn't say so. We don't have to go back and be exactly as we were. We can't be doing the dance routines anymore - we're all in our thirties now. Although saying that, Take That are flying around on stage - incredible! I saw them perform at Elton John's White Tie & Tiara Ball last year. I was up there at the front, dancing my head off."
Growing up, did you ever have a crush on any of Take That?
"They're all very attractive guys, and I had the Take That & Party album when I was younger."
You're dodging the question, Stephen!
"Erm, Gary was my favourite. He's quite handsome. I think he looks even better now, too. Actually, they all do."
Has Robbie lost the plot?"
I think Robbie is just on a break at the moment. I didn't like the Rudebox single, I must admit, but I haven't heard the rest of the album. He just needs another cracking song."
Are you still good mates with Louis Walsh, too?
"I love him! We have such a laugh - we went to Matt Lucas' wedding together. I wish I'd had the relationship I have with him now when I was in the group."
So what was your relationship like before?
"He was the boss and it wasn't as easy. I got the job done but it wasn't like he was a mate."
Do you ever feel like giving him a good slap these days?
"I would never slap Louis - but I'd maybe throw a glass of water on him [laughs]!"
You got married last March. Do you think you make a good husband?
"I'm a fabulous husband [laughs]! I love to cook and clean - I'm a bit of a house husband actually!"
What do you and Andrew bicker about?
"We argue if the cushions aren't fluffed! What a terrible gay stereotype that is, eh?! If the house gets too cluttered I just can't stand that, I hate a load of dishes left in the sink when the dishwasher is there right beside it. It's just unnecessary."
Boy George said that gay marriage is "tragic" as it "mimics what obviously doesn't work for straight people". He also said he is "looking forward to gay divorces". What do you say to that?
"I don't think anything at all about it. It's a Boy George-ism and he would come out with something like that. He's an alright bloke but he has always been controversial."
Do you think George Michael has had a fall from grace this year?
"No, not at all. His tour sold out and his album was No 1. 1 love George and [his partner] Kenny. Whatever they do in their personal life is their business."
Would you have an open relationship like them?
"No, personally I couldn't. But George isn't hurting anyone and who am I to question it? It's all about what works for the them."
Would you and Andrew like children?
"No, not at the moment. I would much rather adopt than do the surrogacy thing, but kids are something you have to dedicate a lot of time to, and I don't have that time at the moment."
Has all the controversy over Madonna adopting put you off?
"Yes, but of course you're opening yourself up to criticism by adopting in the public eye - especially as a gay couple - but I think people need to focus on the child and the fact that Madonna's son is getting a better life and a better education."
You're very good friends with Elton, so we take it you've met the Beckhams a fair few times?
"Yes, I don't really know them and I'm not mates with them, but when I see them they're always very friendly. I think Victoria gets a lot of bad press and it's unfair. It's remarkable what she's done with her career while raising a family and dealing with all the things written about her."
Does she look as thin in the flesh as she does in pictures?
"I don't know. The last time that I saw her she looked really well, though."
Do you think that she is too thin?
"I think it's her own business and she looks really good. But generally, I like women to have a bit of meat on them. The whole 'size zero' thing is worrying."
Now, we know you're a taken man, but who's your top celebrity crush?
"Ooh [laughs], can I have two? Tom Welling or Brandon Routh. They're both very hot."
And they both play Superman... Do you like a man in tights then?
"[Laughs] Yes! A man with that kind of build in a Superman costume. Oh, yes..." •
Catch Stephen in Dancing On Ice, Saturdays on ITV1.
© Star Magazine, 23/1/07
<< back
Caudwell Children
Stephen's husband Andrew has requested for any donations in memory of Stephen to be made to the Caudwell Children Charity, which Stephen acted as a Goodwill Ambassador for. To donate, just click on the image below!
To date, friends, fans and well-wishers have raised over £30,000 for the charity. Trudi Beswick, CEO of the charity, says: "This outpouring of kindness truly reflects Stephen as a person, someone who always wanted to help and please others. With heartfelt tributes and donations continuing to come into the Charity, Stephen’s memory will now live on in the life changing donations we are able to make to children who desperately need our help."
To date, friends, fans and well-wishers have raised over £30,000 for the charity. Trudi Beswick, CEO of the charity, says: "This outpouring of kindness truly reflects Stephen as a person, someone who always wanted to help and please others. With heartfelt tributes and donations continuing to come into the Charity, Stephen’s memory will now live on in the life changing donations we are able to make to children who desperately need our help."
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