Stephen Gately's A to Z guide to fame

Arriving in style

Film premieres are the perfect place for women to make an impression in a revealing dress. But the last one I went to was Billy Elliot, and I wore a woolly hat because I was having a bad hair day!

Backstage pass

The last backstage pass I got was to a Michael Jackson gig. It was really weird seeing it from a fan's point of view, and I had my picture taken with him! As for Boyzone gigs, All Saints, Emma Bunton and Kenny Dalglish have called up for passes before.

Coming out!

I don't think there's anyone who didn't hear about mine, and my life is so much more relaxed now. But celebrities shouldn't feel pressured to admit they're gay just because they're in the public eye.

Designer outfits

There has to be some perks of the job, and getting designer discounts is one of them. Dolce and Gabbana, John Rocha and Gucci have all been particularly good to me. I'm really into designer beauty products too, and love La Prairie moisturiser, which costs about £70

Everyone's talking about. . .

Rumours are part and parcel of being famous. I've been linked to everyone from Baby Spice to Shane's wife, and apparently I was a millionaire five years ago. The only rumour that I didn't hear was that I was gay!

Failure

Celebrities don't take criticism very well- be it personal or professional. Someone told me I was overweight a few weeks ago, so now I'm on a diet! Mel C's getting a lot of stick at the moment too, and I actually called her up last week to see how she was coping with it all.

Groupies

I never really had male groupies in Boyzone- they fancied Ronan! But I couldn't tell you if any of the lads took advantage of female groupies, as I was always in bed by 10 (not)!

Hedonism

My 21st in Argentina was my biggest binge. I drank solidly for 15 hours, and was sick for two days. But I gave it up six months ago because of kidney stones.

Insults

Celebrities are always slagging each other off in the press- Boyzone and Take That, Robbie and Liam, All Saints and The Spice Girls. No one's really had a go at me personally, but I've got a foul temper, so I would definitely put up a fight.

Journalists

I've never had them camping outside my door- my drive is a quarter of a mile long! A couple of journalists did ask me if I was gay, but I just told them I fancied Madonna!

Kiss and tells

Luckily I've never had one, but I think the general consensus is celebs don't mind too much as long as the person says they're good in bed! I also think you're fair game if you're cheating on your partner.

Lads' mags

I've never had any offers to strip, but I would if someone gave me over a million pounds. I say fair play to female celebs who pose in lads' mags.

Morning after

Every celeb dreads being pictured looking really rough. That's why you see so many of us wearing shades and a cap when we emerge the morning after the night before.

New Age tendencies

After the partying stage comes either Rehab (see R) or spirituality for many celebs. Thankfully I'm the latter. I'm really into Chakra healing and yoga, and I've also been meditating for years. I've even tried flotation tanks.

Opening of an envelope

It's true! Every time I pick up a glossy celebrity magazine I see the same faces at every single party, and wonder where they get their stamina from! Perhaps they get paid to go (ha ha)!

Paparazzi

My boyfriend Eloy and I went to extreme measures to avoid photographers before I came out. We used to get on different flights, and never checked into hotels together.

Quirks and demands

I never understand people like Jennifer Lopez, who throw strops. The only thing I've ever really requested is a cup of black coffee in the morning.

Rehab

Free booze and readily available drugs often lead to excess, and sadly many celebs end up in rehab. Thankfully, I have a life outside of the business which helps keep my feet on the ground.

Security

The more famous you get, the bigger the security guards. Boyzone had a serious death threat in Belfast before we went on stage. I was scared. Ronan also had a death threat at MTV. You have to get on with it.

Toilets

Celebs share cubicles- for various reasons! The weirdest experience I've had was in Germany. Someone slipped a pen and paper under the door and asked for my autograph!

Undercover

Most celebs stick to a cap and shades if they want to do a spot of shopping without getting recognised. But if you spot them like that, it's usually more to do with having a hangover.

VIP area

Another perk of the job, although sometimes even the biggest celebs get turned away. I remember Boyzone were banned from this place in Dublin after a scuffle took place, and when I went back a few weeks later the doorman wouldn't let me in. But that's about it.

When will I be famous?

Most celebrities have skeletons in their cupboard from when they were trying to be famous, like topless pictures. Mine was being a disco dancing champ.

X-rays

Touring is dangerous. I remember smacking my head on this low ceiling under the stage, and I had to shoot through a trapdoor before I had time to assess the damage. I also had to have my kidney stones treated with lasers- then I peed them out!

Your place or mine?!

I tend to steer clear of celebrity partners because it puts extra pressure on the relationship. But I've seen plenty of celebs swap numbers or have the odd crafty snog at parties.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

I've never really woken up anywhere I shouldn't have- though I'm sure there are a few celebs who have! But I have fallen asleep in interviews before because I was so knackered. You can't beat your own bed, can you?

Stephen's new single, Stay, is out now.