Keith Duffy 'suffered panic attacks'

Boyzone star Keith Duffy has revealed that he has suffered from panic attacks since the death of his bandmate Stephen Gately.

The singer claimed that he has been experiencing phases of breathlessness and discomfort since Gately passed away in October.

"I have waves of emotion that can hit me at any time. In the first few weeks they were terrifying. I couldn't breathe, I'd go light-headed and it was incredibly frightening. They still come, but I can handle them better now," he told Closer.

Duffy, who recently reprised his role as Ciaran in Coronation Street, admitted that Gately brought out Boyzone's sensitive side.

"Stephen brought out our nurturing sides - we'd think nothing of hugging and kissing each other," he said.

"And he got us into pampering! We were into our flash cars, but Stephen would just spend thousands on beauty products! He got us into expensive face creams - we were the gayest straight band in the world and we loved him for it."

Boyzone release new single 'Give It All Away' on March 1.

> Duffy 'can't perform without Gately'