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We won't fight Stephen's lover over £10m will
Georgina Littlejohn, London LiteUpdated 12:48pm on 19 Oct 2009
Stephen Gately's mother today insisted there will be no fight over her son's £10m will and dismissed reports of a rift between his family and his partner.
Margaret Gately said Stephen's civil partner Andrew Cowles was “one of the family” and that she would always be there for him.
Partners: Stephen Gately and Andrew Cowles
Friends of the Boyzone star had said Mrs Gately and her husband Martin had broken off contact with their son until a year ago because they did not think Cowles was right for Stephen.
Before his death, the singer admitted that he had isolated himself from his family because they couldn't accept his partner.
But today, as Margaret revealed that she and Cowles had both dressed Stephen in his favourite suit to be buried in, she added: “He's one of the family — Stephen loved him with all his heart and he made my son happy.
“I asked Stephen when they got together if it was love and he said it was more than anything he'd ever found. He was besotted.”
Internet entrepreneur Cowles, 32, who became the civil partner of 33-year-old Gately in 2006, has legal rights to the performer's estimated £10m fortune.
A source close to the Gately family said there would be no fight over the will.
This comes as Louis Walsh denied there was tension between him and Cowles after reports the X Factor judge had fallen out with him in 2006.
Walsh reportedly never forgave Cowles for a bust-up the lovers had outside the Ivy restaurant that year, during which Cowles grabbed Stephen in a headlock.
But Walsh, who described the singer as his best friend, said: “I don't know where this story came from.”
Reader views (4)
Andrew should not get all of Stephen's estate and money. (Legal Partner or not) He should give some to Stephen's charitys' and to his family. In my opinion the charitys' and Stephen's family would benifet more than Andrew. Andrew would live it up in celeb land. Stephen would want his charitys' and family to have the wealth that he worked his heart and soul for. I never knew money could mend a broken heart. Stephen should be in his native home land Ireland not London. rest in peace my irish rose.
- Catherine, Belfast Northen Ireland, 21/10/2009 16:39
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Death is a funny thing and inheritance brings out the worst in people, let whoever Stephen left his will/inheritance to have it, it was his will. arguments between stephen and his partner are of no business to anyone else. all partners have arguements and problems, that's llife, let the man rest in peace, such a tragedy.
- Sands, Great Brition, 20/10/2009 22:20
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My heart goes out to Andrew. No money can replace his loss. I dont know why there are discussions about inheritence. Andrew is legally entitled to Stephens estate unless otherwise directed by Stephen in his will. Andrew should not be made to feel guilty about it. He has enough on his plate.
- Jj, London,UK, 20/10/2009 15:11
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Why should there be an argument over the will. Its cut and dried. This guy was his legal partner. End of story.
- Claire, Limehouse, East London, 20/10/2009 08:42
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