Former Boyzone singer Stephen Gately offered his support to Westlife member Mark Feehily for coming out of the closet earlier this month. Feehily, 25, publicly admitted he is a homosexual, on 19 August 2005.

Gately, who came out in 1999, advised the singer to tell the world the truth, arguing this will have a positive effect on people in a similar position who have yet to announce their sexual preferences to their families.

Gately says, "What he's done will help thousands of other youngsters who fear the effect coming out will have on their families.

I was in a similar position when I was in Boyzone. But coming out was the best thing I ever did. I got so much support from my friends, family and my fans.

I was inundated with letters from people saying I had given them the courage to do the same. I remember one of the letters was from a young guy telling me he was suicidal until he read my interview and that had given him the courage to come out."

Gately adds, "I got flowers and letters of support from Sir Elton John, George Michael and the Spice Girls."