Boyzone star Stephen Gateley's ex-boyfriend's life now - from baby tragedy to heartbreaking phone call Back in 1999, Eloy de Jong and the late Stephen Gately made history together as the first openly gay boyband members - coming out together as a united front.
Like so many thrilling first loves, however, Eloy and Stephen's romance didn't last forever, and by January 2002, they had parted ways, with Stephen returning to his hometown of Dublin.
After learning an acquaintance was set to sell his story to the press, Boyzone star Stephen decided to get ahead of the story, proudly telling The Sun that he was "gay and in love" with Eloy, who was best known as a singer in Dutch boyband Caught In The Act.
Speaking candidly with the Mirror at the time, heartbroken Eloy told of how he called Stephen's mobile after his death, just to hear his voice one final time.
Showing incredible bravery that won praise from the public, Stephen said: "I wanted my fans to hear the facts from me and Eloy before anyone else got the chance to publish a twisted version of the truth.
