Matt Lucas 'comforts Gately's partner'

Rex Features

Stephen Gately's grieving partner Andrew Cowles is reportedly being comforted by the comedian Matt Lucas.

Lucas is also in mourning after the suicide of his ex-husband Kevin McGee a few weeks ago.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "Matt wants to make sure Andrew's alright."

Elton John and David Furnish, who first introduced Gately to Cowles, have also been offering their support to the Boyzone star's widower.

The source said: "Elton and David have been checking up on him constantly."

Cowles has also spent some time with Gately's mum and dad, Margaret and Tony, in Dublin.

The source revealed: "He jetted in and out on Friday. It was a quick trip but he wanted to have some time with Stephen's parents to talk.

"He's promised to keep in touch with them both and feels so much happier knowing they are as well as can be expected.

"Collecting Stephen's ashes has helped the reality of the tragic events settle in somewhat."

> Cowles: 'I don't want Gately's money'