Musician Gary Phelan has died at the age of 42.
The singer rose to stardom on Fame Academy, where he appeared on the second season in 2003, which was ultimately won by Alex Parks.
His death was confirmed by friends on social media last month. The cause of death has not been confirmed.
Gary’s representative Simon Hanning said Gary was found in his apartment in Dubai, where he was currently living, while launching a fundraiser to pay for the costs of returning his body to the UK.
He shared on Facebook: ‘I’m so sad to share the tragic news that my friend, my friend and artist I represented, Gary Phelan, was found in his apartment in Dubai at the weekend.’
Fame Academy star Gary Phelan has died aged 42. His passing was confirmed by friends on social media last month. The cause of death has not been confirmed (he was pictured on the show in 2003).
Gary appeared in the second series of the show. Top row left to right: Paris Campbell-Edwards, Barry McKeever, Simone Stewart, Nick Hall, Alex Parks, Lorna Grant. Bottom row left to right: Alistair Griffin, Carolynne Good, Louise Griffiths, Gary Phelan, Peter Brame, Jamie Fox, Audley Anderson.
Simon continued: ‘I am beyond devastated and cannot yet put into words how this news has left his family and friends feeling.
‘He was loved by so many people, and I already miss our chats, when he would send me his latest song he had written and the general banter we would have.
“We did some amazing things together, he was everything you would expect from a friend. I am truly heartbroken.”
Another tribute on Facebook read: “We had some wonderful times together in our twenties. I played bass for him for five years, he took me on tour around the UK and recorded in top-class studios.
‘We had fun, we played and we worked very hard. Gary opened the doors to the musical and professional world for me and we shared once-in-a-lifetime moments. I will always be grateful to him.’
On Monday, Simon revealed that they had managed to raise enough to return Gary’s body.
On a Just Giving page, she shared: “Dear all, we did it! Gary was flown home to the UK over the weekend.
‘I have spoken with Gary’s family and they have been overwhelmed by the many heartfelt messages and generosity as we all come together in one goal.
‘There will be another update from the family with details of Gary’s funeral in a few days.
“But for now, thank you all so much. I never thought we would be able to achieve our goals as quickly as we did. Everyone who was able to help did their part. Sending my love to all of you and to Gary.”
Gary’s representative, Simon Hanning, claimed that Gary was found in his apartment in Dubai, where he was currently living, while launching a fundraiser to pay for the costs of returning his body.
Gary recently moved to Dubai where he continued to perform on the UAE pub and bar circuit at venues such as McCafferty’s Irish Pub.
During his time at Fame Academy, Gary came to the famous share house.
He was saved by his teammates and then twice by Fame Academy fans before becoming the fourth student to be sent home.
Gary continued his music after his time at Fame Academy, touring the country and writing and recording music.
He recently moved to Dubai, where he continued to perform on the UAE’s pub and bar circuit at venues such as McCafferty’s Irish Pub.
Hosted by Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley, Fame Academy saw talented musicians enter a house to live in and compete against each other over the following weeks.
The show was filmed in Big Brother format, with the students isolated from the outside world and filmed 24 hours a day.
During the weekly live shows, judges Richard Park, Carrie Grant, David Grant and Robin Gibb gave their comments before the television audience voted to “save” their favourite student.
Each week one student was eliminated until a winner was crowned, receiving a 12-month contract with Mercury Records and a cash prize.
During his time at Fame Academy, Gary made it to the famous share house. He was saved by his fellow students and then twice by fans before becoming the fourth student to be sent home.
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