Thanks to J�na for typing this out!

Stephen Gately in love

I have found the man of my dreams

For a bit more than a year ago he was facing the biggest dilemma in his life. Today he is a new person, who is both in love and happy. Allow us to introduce: A new, improved version of Stephen Gately.

"Oh, I am just so happy; I can't stop smiling; I have spent the last year smiling," says Stephen happily, when I'm sitting down opposite him.

It is a brand new Stephen I'm seeing. His eyes are shining, and he seems a bit of a fidget. Is he nervous? "No, not at all. I have met you many times before. But this time it's different. Now I promise to be 100% honest, when you ask me something. That is something totally new."

It is now nearly 14 months since Stephen Gately shocked the world by coming out- and broke the hearts of thousands of girls all over the world.

"It wasn't easy for me. It wasn't only my family and friends which I had to tell it to. The whole world suddenly knew that I was gay. It was damn hard," says Stephen.

"I was so nervous that I thought that I was going to have a heart attack. It is the biggest decision I've ever had to make."

Stephen hadn't needed to be nervous, the reactions were only positive, the fans supported him, and his business colleagues took their hats off to him.

"I got flowers from Elton John, and George Michael, Victoria and the rest of the Spice Girls phoned shortly after. It was really nice of them."

Head over heels in love

The last year has not been like the other six years with Boyzone. Stephen has come out and is happier than ever. And then his solo album has also become a reality.

"I'm really happy about my album. There are many people who expect a Boyzone similar album from me, but no. I would rather do something different. Now I have got the chance to show everybody what I can do," says Stephen.

"New Beginning" is the title of his solo album, and isn't it also the title of Stephen's own -new- life?

"Actually it's not such a personal title, as people think. My songs are about everyday things. A new beginning for something which happens every day for all types of people," he says.

"I have had some songs ready for more than two years. I wrote "If Only You Were Here" for Eloy a couple of years ago. He really likes that track."

There is no doubt that Stephen is head over heels in love with his boyfriend. They have just had their 2 year anniversary. And when you're so crazy about each other, it is difficult to be apart for a long time.

"It is very difficult. That is why I'm staying in Amsterdam with Eloy at the moment. I still have my house in Ireland, but I'm hardly ever there."

Hello, it's Eloy

Riiing, riiing, riiing.

Stephen's mobile phone rings and he asks politely if he may answer it. Of course he may.

"Oh, it was Eloy. He just phoned to tell me that he had fed the dogs. Isn't he cute?" says Stephen with a shrill voice.

"He is on his way to Germany to make some music. He is doing his own solo album, and I am going to help him with writing some tracks."

Eloy isn't new in the business. He has been a member of the Dutch boy band "Caught in the Act", which didn't have that much success.

"I'm sure he will do fine. I am certainly going to do whatever I can to help him so he will make it," Stephen promises.

Stephen Gately knows what he is talking about. He has, for nearly seven years, been Boyzone's little cute boy with the cute voice.

"The fans have been fantastic towards me. I think they are happy, because they can see that I am happy. They are probably also happy that I won't ever marry another girl. They don't have to be jealous," laughs Stephen.

Dad Stephen

Stephen Gately is a grateful young man. When he was only 17 years old he joined Boyzone, and since then things have only got better.

"I feel really lucky. I come from a very poor family, and I grew up with almost nothing. We were five children in one room, and we never had any money. But today I don't ever have to think about how much money I spend. I am financially secure for the rest of my life, and I am very grateful for that," says Stephen.

He is also grateful for something else. And his name's is Eloy.

"I have found the man of my dreams. And we have agreed on adopting a child sometime in the future. It won't be right now, because we are both a bit too busy," says Stephen proudly. Then he pulls something out of his pocket.

"There you go, now I'll show you a wonderful picture of Eloy."

Stephen is sitting with his purse in his hands and takes out a crumpled picture of his boyfriend. And yes, Stephen has got himself a real hunk.

"Yes, isn't he just gorgeous? I miss him terribly. I can't understand how I've been able to keep our relationship a secret. I can't stop talking about him all the time," says Stephen while smiling.

"You probably can't see it on the picture, but he is actually a lot taller than me. I am only 1.70 cm, and he is 1.90. But I like to feel protected, and I feel protected when I am with Eloy."

Stephen is a new person. And even though he'd rather spend time talking about Eloy, he wants to express his thanks to his fans.

"I would like to say thank you to all of my fans. They have really supported me the last year. I hope that they will like my album and that they will always be there for me, just like I will always be there for them."