Stephen Gately made a tragic last phonecall home less than six hours before his sudden death.

The Boyzone star was sober and coherent when he spoke to his family from his Majorca apartment at 12.30am (local time), they said today.

He was last seen alive around 6am when his partner Andy Cowles went to bed and Stephen (33) slept on the sofa.

While his devastated family are not disputing that he went out drinking after the phonecall, they say reports of an eighthour binge are grossly exaggerated.

Stephen’s lawyer and family spokesperson Gerald Kean told the Herald: “The timeline doesn't fit. We believe he was only out for around three hours.”

Reports that police are seeking a third man who partied with Stephen and Andy Cowles have also been discounted.

It is understood that officers spoke with Bulgarian Giorgio Duchev shortly after arriving at the apartment in Puerto Andratx.

Family members – including Stephen's parents Martin and Margaret – will not fly to Majorca. They will instead gather in Dublin over the coming days to plan his funeral.

Funeral

The Herald has learned that Stephen was in “great shape” in the hours before his death and rang home before going out.

“He said he said they were going to Palma for a few drinks, which is nearly an hour away,” explained Mr Kean.

“We know he was back in the apartment by 6am so the timeline doesn't fit.

“We can only assume he arrived in Palma around 2am.

“On the phone he was totally sober and fine.”

He added: “Obviously we were not there but the facts suggest he wasn't out for more than three hours.

“The information is contrary to an eight hours binge. That doesn't mean he didn't go out drinking.”

The lawyer and personal friend of the Boyzone star reiterated that drugs were not a factor and that Stephen did not take his own life. “They are absolutely devastated,” he said of the family.

A post-mortem is expected to take place tomorrow as today is a public holiday in Spain.

It is expected that it will confirm that Stephen died of natural causes.

It is thought he got sick and choked on his vomit. The star had no underlying conditions.

Husband Andy, who first wed Stephen in a commitment ceremony in Las Vegas in 2003, is thought to have raced to a neighbour for help after discovering the body when he woke up at around 1pm. The four Boyzone members remained in Majorca today where they have met with Andy.

The four Dubliners visited the scene of Stephen's death last night and issued a message on their website saying: “He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world.”

Band manager Louis Walsh cancelled his appearance as a judge on last night's X Factor, in spite of early reports that he would carry on.

A special tribute was paid to Stephen by judge Simon Cowell at the start of the ITV programme.

It is likely to be late this week before Stephen’s body is flown back to Dublin.

A big selection of celebrities from the showbiz world are expected to attend his funeral.

Elton John paid tribute, saying his partner “David (Furnish) and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul.”

Stephen was introduced to his partner by Elton John and David Furnish, and married him in a civil partnership in 2006.

Grey wooden shutters were closed at the €1.1m apartment that Stephen and Andy shared yesterday but a slow stream of friends were allowed inside.

Graham McDowell who lives in a neighbouring building said: “He was totally genuine. I sat near him a couple of times on flights and got chatting to him.

“He was a very quiet person.

“On one flight I met him on I asked if he'd like a glass of wine as I was getting one.

“His reaction was, ‘Actually I'll just have an orange juice. I rarely drink.'“

Stephen last saw the band members on Wednesday when they met with Polydor to discuss plans for their new album – which was due to be released next year.

- Kevin Doyle and Lorna Nolan