Stephen Gately's family have rejected suggestions the singer died following an 8-hour drinking session.

The Boyzone star was found dead in his apartment in Palma, Majorca, where he was holidaying with civil partner Andy Cowles.

According to reports, he was discovered unconcious on a sofa on Saturday morning, having apparently choked on his own vomit.

It's been claimed the 33-year-old died after a mammoth boozing session that began at 9.30pm on Friday, and ended when he returned to his accommodation at 6am.

But lawyer Gerald Kean says Gately's family does not accept this version of events.

"An eight-hour drinking session is something we do not accept," said Kean, who is representing the Gately family.

"Wherever that is coming from, our information would suggest that is simply wrong."

He added: "We are not saying he was not drinking but eight hours is not something we accept.

"He was a very sensible man. He enjoyed himself, he loved life. I was with him many a night and, if anything, late into nights he would look as though he had just arrived."

Spanish police say there was "no signs of suspicious circumstances" when Gately was found. A post-mortem is due to be carried out this week.

Stephen Gately remembered