Eloy de Jong: A Love That Broke Boundaries

Stephen’s first highly publicized relationship was with Dutch singer Eloy de Jong, a member of the boy band Caught in the Act. Their romance began in 1999 after they met at a concert in Switzerland, forming a connection that defied borders and secrecy. At the time, neither of them had publicly come out, so they relied on Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating to help protect their relationship from the prying eyes of the media.

Coming Out Together

In a brave and groundbreaking move, Stephen and Eloy decided to come out publicly in 1999 to preempt any tabloid exploitation. Stephen later shared with The Sun that he wanted his fans to hear the truth directly from him and Eloy, rather than from a distorted media narrative. Their decision was met with admiration and helped pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.

The couple shared three happy years together, living in Amsterdam and exchanging gold commitment rings. Eloy fondly remembered their time on a canal boat, where they cooked together, and Stephen’s playful habit of singing and dancing. He described Stephen as incredibly talented and often reminded him to eat his vegetables. Although their relationship ended amicably in 2002, Stephen admitted that, though they both felt heartbroken, their bond had simply faded over time.

Eloy’s Life After Stephen

Even after their split, Eloy remained a loyal friend to Stephen. He recalled their final phone call in 2008, and after Stephen’s tragic passing in 2009, Eloy called his number one last time, hoping to hear his voice, but the voicemail was empty. In 2011, Eloy embraced fatherhood with his partner Ibo, welcoming a daughter, Indy. However, their joy was tempered by the heartbreak of losing her twin brother, Milon, who survived only five hours.

Andrew Cowles: A Love Defined by Devotion and Loss

In 2002, Stephen met Andrew Cowles, an internet entrepreneur, and they soon found lasting love. The couple entered a civil partnership and built a life together in London and Majorca, where they became inseparable. Friends described Andrew as Stephen’s constant source of support through both professional triumphs and personal hardships.

The Tragic Night in Majorca

In October 2009, while vacationing at their villa in Majorca, disaster struck. After a night out with Bulgarian model Georgi Dochev, Stephen fell asleep on the sofa in Andrew’s arms. Unbeknownst to Andrew, Stephen had a congenital heart defect that led to a fatal pulmonary edema, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

The tragedy left Andrew overwhelmed with guilt, questioning whether there was more he could have done to help Stephen. Despite the toxicology report confirming that Stephen's death was due to natural causes, rumors persisted, and Andrew felt compelled to clarify that Stephen had fallen asleep peacefully in his arms, without experiencing any pain.

Legacy and Legal Disputes

Stephen’s £10 million estate, which had no will, was divided between Andrew and Stephen’s parents after debts were cleared. However, tensions arose within the family over unanswered questions surrounding Stephen’s final moments. Stephen’s brother Tony called for a reinvestigation, but Andrew dismissed this request, calling it unfounded.

Stephen’s Lasting Impact

Eloy and Andrew were both central figures in Stephen’s life, reflecting his unwavering commitment to living openly. During the 2016 Caught in the Act reunion tour, Eloy spoke about the challenges they faced, particularly his father’s opposition to homosexuality, and described coming out with Stephen as his proudest achievement.

Boyzone’s 2025 documentary No Matter What preserves Stephen’s legacy, featuring emotional moments from his bandmates and Andrew’s deep devotion. Ronan Keating’s tribute referred to Stephen as "forever young, our perfect angel," encapsulating the enduring love and admiration for a man who redefined bravery in pop culture.

Final Thoughts

Stephen Gately’s relationships were not just tabloid stories—they were acts of courage in a time of prejudice. Through his love for Eloy and Andrew, he showed that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for. As fans continue to celebrate his music and his story, Stephen’s message of living authentically serves as an inspiration.

Eloy de Jong reflected on their family life, saying that, despite the challenges, they had a lot of love to give and lived as a "normal family."