Gately denies marrying his boyfriend

Former Boyzone star Stephen Gately did not get married to his boyfriend in Las Vegas last week contrary to reports, the star's manager, Mr Grant Logan, has said.

Speaking in London, Mr Logan told The Irish Times that Gately and his businessman boyfriend Mr Andrew Knowles had taken part in a "commitment ceremony" in the American city but that they had not been married.

"There was no exchange of rings and they did not get married. They did attend a commitment ceremony where they read their own vows to each other. It was supposed to be a private affair but somehow it leaked out," he said.

The couple wore matching baseball caps and jeans for the ceremony which took place in a Las Vegas wedding chapel last Wednesday.

Mr Logan said his client was "very happy" after the spur-of- the-moment ceremony. The men have been in a relationship for almost a year. "They were ready for more commitment and wanted an intimate ceremony with just the two of them," he said.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Royston Brady, who recently called for unions between same- sex couples to be recognised by law, sent his best wishes to the star yesterday. "Stephen Gately is a great entertainer and a constituent of mine. I wish him the best of luck and hope he is extremely happy," he said.

The singer and his partner were back in London last night where Gately is performing in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Gately's run in Joseph is due to end in September and it is understood he is considering other offers, including the lead in another West End musical. There is also interest from a television company who want to make a documentary about his life and career.