Fans mourn Boyzone star Gately

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Fan: "More of a shock than Michael Jackson's death"

By Tim Masters
Entertainment correspondent, BBC News

Boyzone fans have been speaking of their shock and upset at the death of singer Stephen Gately, who has died suddenly at the age of 33 while on holiday in Majorca.

In the audience queue for The X Factor TV show on a grey, drizzling Sunday afternoon in Wembley, fans were still in a state of disbelief at the news of the singer's death.

Haylie Donovan and Maggie McGillicuddy from Essex were shocked to hear the news as they queued

Some, like Maggie McGillicuddy and Haylie Donovan, of Loughton, Essex, had been unaware of the news when they joined the queue.

"He was so young," said Ms Donovan. "Boyzone were only young - poor Louis Walsh."

Shortly afterwards it was announced that Louis Walsh, X Factor judge and Boyzone manager, had pulled out of Sunday's X Factor TV show.

Here are some other reactions from the X Factor audience members.

MICHELLE FEAR, RICKMANSWORTH

I read the news at about 11am, when I was on the internet. I couldn't believe it - I was so shocked and devastated because I was his biggest fan at the time.

I still see Boyzone in concert - I saw them last year and I'm seeing Ronan Keating next year. I'd seen Boyzone six or seven times - every year since they'd been touring.

I'd always been a big fan, particularly of Stephen Gately. It was his voice and talent - I love the others too, but Stephen's always been close to my heart.

I'd love to have met him. I'd try to meet them at shows like this and Top of the Pops when it was on. He was a very talented young man and unfortunately we've lost him now.

DINA LEADBEATER, SHEPPERTON

I went to see Boyzone at Wembley twice when they were together before the reunion.

It's really sad, I don't know what Boyzone will be like without him.

As to whether they'll proceed, I don't think so.

He was such a nice boy really; and so young, so young.

GEMMA D'SOUZA, SHEPPERTON, AND JESS BEETHIM, ASHFORD

Gemma:

I think Stephen was very cute. He was was my favourite because I liked his voice when he sang. A friend texted me on the way here. She just said "Stephen Gately has died" - with a sad face :(

I told Jess and we had a sad moment on the train, thinking about how much we love Boyzone and their songs.

He was a very good gay icon.

Jess: I remember Boyzone from when I was growing up because my mum used to like them. In their time they were one of the best bands, and it's really nice they are still really popular nowadays.

I think Stephen was a lot of people's favourite. So it's really upsetting to think that he was so young and that he's died so young.

It's obviously a complete blow for Boyzone. It's really upsetting - the music's not going to be the same anymore because he was a big part of it.

SAM JONES, CROYDON

When I was a teenager I used to work in radio in London, and when Boyzone first started we got a phone call saying they needed seats filled at their showcase.

They were just a nice bunch of guys, very passionate about what they did.

I heard the news around 9am. I was very shocked. You don't expect people to die when they are so young. Very sad.

When they came into the radio station I had a signed photo done, so I shall be treasuring that for many years to come.

TONI MOORE

I first saw Boyzone in Bournemouth when Westlife were the support act many years ago. I was in my early 20s - it was the boy band era - they were all very good looking boys.

I liked Stephen Gately's boyish face, he kept his boyish looks, and he was just a nice lad.

I was very sad when I heard the news. It's always sad when you hear someone young passing away.

I saw Boyzone on the comeback tour in Birmingham. He still had that childish look - he was someone you just wanted to give a cuddle to.