London, October 19 (ANI): Stephen Gately from the band Boyzone was planning to star in a top London stage production in the New Year, it has emerged.

Sir Elton John’s partner David Furnish has revealed that the pop star was preparing for a West End role in Jersey Boys early next year apart from writing a new book.

“There was talk of him taking one of the lead roles in Jersey Boys. Stephen was brilliant at musical theatre, it was a great second career for him,” the Daily express quoted Furnish as saying.

Furnish, who was present at the gay singer’s funeral along with remaining Boyzone members and music mogul Louis Walsh, expressed his grief of losing a friend.

He said: “I think it’s wonderful so many have turned out to honour his life. I just feel incredibly sad, I’ve lost a dear friend. It just seems so unfair, I can’t really make sense of it.

“He was the kindest, most uncomplicated (person) I’ve ever known in my life and a very pure soul and it guts me to think he’s gone.”

Gately died on Oct 10 in Majorca, Spain after suffering a build-up of fluid on the lungs. (ANI)