Boyzone: A Tribute to Stephen Gately

This upbeat and heart-warming tribute will feature a series of show-stopping Boyzone performances and special one-off collaborations dedicated to Stephen, and a series of intimate VT’s telling the inspirational story of Stephen’s short life, including chats with Stephen’s partner Andrew Cowles, sister Michelle Carr and former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

Boyzone will be performing a medley of their greatest hits on the show, including; Love Me For A Reason, When the Going Gets Tough and Love Is a Hurricane. In addition there are a number of special one-off collaborations, Boyzone will be joined by Nadine Coyle, singing Love Me For A Reason; Mika joins the guys in a special performance of their new single, Gave It All Away; and in a first fellow Irish crooners Westlife join Boyzone for a special performance of No Matter What.

Speaking for the first time on the show are Stephen’s husband Andrew Cowles and sister Michelle Carr, along with tributes from Bertie Ahern, Louis Walsh, Robbie Williams, Louise Redknapp, Westlife, Nadine Coyle, Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean and Christopher Biggins.

The engaging and moving VTs chronicle Stephen’ story , from his humble beginnings in Dublin’s Sheriff Street and early rise to fame with the band, to his success as a solo performer and West End star.

This unique one off studio special 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.

Nadine Coyle said of performing in the show: “I am very honoured to be a part of this special tribute, I have grown up watching Boyzone being that I am from Ireland. I am very moved to be signing Stephen’s parts with Boyzone on Love Me For a Reason in the show as he is a great friend and he is dearly missed.”

Mika said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened when I heard about Stephen’s passing, he was a great singer and touched so many peoples lives both with his music and with his wonderful personality. It's a huge honour to hear him sing my song. Good luck to the rest of the boys.”

Westlife’s Nicky Byrne said of performing on with Boyzone on the special: "After eleven years in the music industry and having had the pleasure of performing with many greats, our performance with Boyzone was extra special for lots of reasons. Not only did these guys pave the way for ourselves but they have always been there showing support for us throughout the years. We had often spoke of doing something together and how much fun it would be. Little did we know that time would come remembering and celebrating the life of Stephen Gately. It was such good fun to do and we enjoyed it immensely. We are sure Stephen would be proud and smiling down on us all."

Louis Walsh, said of the tribute, “Stephen would be delighted to have a night dedicated to him and I know he’ll be watching down on us all on the night a big smile on his face.”

Notes to Editors:
The show was commissioned by ITV’s Commissioning Editor for Entertainment Claire Zolkwer.

This is the first commission secured by 10 Star Entertainment since CEO Bea Ballard set up the company in 2009. Bea is no stranger to entertainment shows, as former Creative Head of BBC Entertainment and an award-winning producer and entertainment executive, Bea has been responsible for some of the biggest hit shows and formats including: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Any Dream Will Do, Parkinson, The Two Ronnie’s Sketchbook, the Rose D’Or award-winning One Night With Robbie Williams and Elton John at The Royal Opera House, amongst many others.

Last edited: Tuesday, 9 March 2010