"I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE!"

Stephen Gately has a new single, a new attitude and, as he tells the Hits- he's here to Stay. . .

"For so long I was the cute little one from Boyzone," laughs a fit and healthy looking Stephen Gately, showing us his new gadget- an electronic dog called Aibo. "I guess things have changed for all of us."

After a successful career in one of the UK's biggest boybands, a love life that caused a frenzy in the tabloids and a solo single that "only went to no 11," how is the cute one handling life? And what's his verdict on the non-event that is the Boyzone tour?

Hi, Stephen, how are you?

Everything's really good. Last time I saw you I was releasing I Believe and I've just been chilling out since then.

You're enjoying the solo life then?

Yeah. I've been on a diet and I've given up alcohol- I'm trying to look after myself. I used to drink a lot with the guys but it's been nearly five months now and I feel a lot better.

Tell us about your new single. . .

Basically Stay is more poppy and kinda younger than I Believe and New Beginning, which is where I want the new album to go. It's got a bit of a Backstreet, 'N Sync vibe. I'm really pleased with the video and the track.

The dance routine is full on. . .

Yeah, I love dancing and I love that style. People haven't seen me dance before, except maybe on tour with Boyzone. It's a chance to show them what I can do.

And you've got a new image going on there too. . .

(Laughing) It's not really a new image. I'm just wearing a lot more casual clothes, rather than suits and stuff. I'm only 25 and I don't want to be perceived as a 30 year old. Not that that's possible for "the cute little one" from Boyzone.

Ronan's changed his image a bit. What do you think about it?

I've heard his new song a few times and I like his solo stuff. I thought it might be a bit more poppy and ballady, but I knew that was the direction he would take. He's doing really well. I wish him the best.

Have you spoken to any of the boys lately?

I spoke to Keith two days ago and I'm going to ring Shane to see if he wants to come for dinner this week. I haven't spoken to Mikey or Ronan for a while, although I think he left a message for me a few days ago. . . It's a shame.

Why?

I'd like us to get together and catch up for drinks but everyone is doing their own thing and really into their own business. I'd love to do a Boyzone tour at the end of the year but I don't think it's going to happen 'cos Ronan's going out to concentrate on America.

You sound a little annoyed. . .

I'm annoyed 'cos it would have been good to do a farewell tour for the fans. I think it's a real shame.

Will the tour happen next year?

I don't know. The four of us were available this year, you know, but Ronan wasn't. Next year he might be like, "Yeah, let's do it," and the rest of us will be busy. It's hard getting us all together at the same time.

How has the fame thing changed you since you left Boyzone?

It's changed a lot. I concentrate on personal things a lot more now, rather than the business. It used to be all work, work, work. Now I go shopping more and do normal things. I've been doing a lot of meditation and some Chakra healing as well.

Are things more difficult without the rest of the boys?

Every interview, every question now is directed at me so I don't have anybody to fall back on. Before, if you were tired you could lean on one of the others and let them take over. You've got to do it all yourself. I really miss the guys being around. I miss the laughs and the chatting. I have people around me who are really nice but it is very, very different.

What would you be doing if you weren't singning?

Acting. If I could do anything, I'd like to win an Oscar. That would be amazing. It means you've really hit the big time. And the work would probably be a lot more secure.

What are your ambitions for the rest of the year?

I would love to get a no 1 single! The last song went in at no 11 but I'm working hard and hopefully it's going to pay off. The fans are still there supporting me, which I am ever grateful for. I'll be having a million nervous breakdwons the week the single is released but I'm here to stick around- I'm not going anywhere.