Musician Gary Phelan has died at the age of 42.
The singer found stardom on Fame Academy where he appeared on series two in 2003 – which was eventually won by Alex Parks.
His passing was confirmed by friends on social media last month. A cause of death has not been confirmed.
Gary’s manager Simon Hanning claimed the star had been found in his apartment in Dubai where he had been living, and launched a fundraiser to pay for the costs of returning his body to the UK.
He shared on Facebook: ‘I am so so sad to share the tragic news that my buddy, my friend and artist I managed Gary Phelan was found in his apartment in Dubai at the weekend.’
Fame Academy star Gary Phelan has died at the age of 42. His passing was confirmed by friends on social media last month. A cause of death has not been confirmed (pictured on the show in 2003)
Gary appeared on season two of the show. Top row L-R Paris Campbell-Edwards, Barry McKeever, Simone Stewart, Nick Hall, Alex Parks, Lorna Grant, bottom L-R: Alistair Griffin, Carolynne Good, Louise Griffiths, Gary Phelan, Peter Brame, Jamie Fox, Audley Anderson
Simon continued: ‘I am beyond devastated and can’t as yet put into words how this news has left his family and friends feeling.
‘He was loved by so many people, and I am already missing our chats, his sending me his latest song he’d written and the general banter we had.
‘We did some amazing things together, he was everything you would ask of a friend. I’m truly heart broken.’
Another tribute on Facebook read: ‘We had some wonderful times together in our twenties. I played bass for him for 5 years, he took me on a journey touring the UK and recording in top studios.
‘We partied, we played and we worked our a~**~es off. Gary opened up the world for me musically and professionally and we shared some once in a life time moments together – i’ll always be grateful.’
On Monday, Simon revealed they had successfully raised enough to return Gary’s body.
He shared on a Just Giving page: ‘Dear all, we did it! Gary was brought home to the UK over the weekend.
‘I have spoken with Gary’s family and they have been overwhelmed with the many heartfelt messages and generosity as we all came together in the one aim.
‘There will be a further update from the family with details of Gary’s funeral in a few days.
‘But for now Thankyou all so very much, I never thought we’d be able to reach the targets as quick as we did, every single person that was able to help has played their part. Big love to you all & big love to Gary.’
Gary’s manager Simon Hanning claimed Gary had been found in his apartment in Dubai where he was currently living as he launched a fundraiser to pay for the costs of returning his body
Gary recently moved to Dubai where he continued to perform in the pub and bar circuit in the UAE at venues like McCafferty’s Irish Pub
During his time on Fame Academy, Gary made it into the famed shared house.
He was saved by his fellow students and then twice by Fame Academy fans before becoming the fourth student to be sent home.
Gary continued with his music after his stint on Fame Academy, touring the country and writing and recording music.
He recently moved to Dubai where he continued to perform in the pub and bar circuit in the UAE at venues like McCafferty’s Irish Pub.
Hosted by Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley, Fame Academy saw talented musicians enter a house to live and compete with each other for the following weeks.
The programme was filmed in a Big Brother format, with the students being cut off from the outside world and filmed 24 hours day.
During live weekly shows, the judges Richard Park, Carrie Grant, David Grant and Robin Gibb gave their feedback before the television audience voted to ‘save’ their favourite student.
One student was eliminated every week until the winner was crowned and awarded a 12-month contract with Mercury Records and cash prize.
During his time on Fame Academy, Gary made it into the famed shared house. He was saved by his fellow students and then twice by fans before becoming the fourth student to be sent home