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Published: 17 Feb 2010
TRAGIC Stephen Gately is to sing from beyond the grave - when his poignant final recordings are played for the first time in a TV tribute.
The star-studded special will also include the first telly interview with the late Boyzone singer's partner Andrew Cowles.
And Stephen's beloved sister Michelle will talk for the first time about the brother who died aged 33 last October.
His manager and close friend Louis Walsh told TV Biz: "Stephen would be delighted to have a night dedicated to him.
"I know he'll be watching down on us all on the night a big smile on his face."
A string of top guests have been lined up to appear in the one-hour ITV special, to be called Boyzone: A Tribute to Stephen Gately.
As well as unveiling their pal's final songs, bandmates Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch will perform their biggest hits.
The line-up will feature Love Me For A Reason, Picture of You, No Matter What, When the Going Gets Tough and new single Gave It All Away.
An insider told TV Biz: "Stephen was so popular that everyone is trying to get on the bill - it's going to be a massive occasion.
"Stars who aren't singing will talk about the Stephen they knew.
"His death touched so many people so it was important that we got this right, that's why we didn't rush anything out.
"It won't be a gloomy affair though. It will be a celebration of his life - exactly as he would have wanted."
Adoring
An ITV spokesman said last night: "This uniquely special programme will be a fitting tribute, not only to a talented singer and performer but to someone regarded as a gentleman, inspiration and role model to millions of adoring fans."
Gay star Stephen - who had been lined up for this year's Celebrity Big Brother - died of an undiagnosed heart condition in his Majorca holiday apartment after a boozy night out.
The tribute will air on ITV1 in the spring.
2010年03月26日 08点03分
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