BBC's Fame Academy star Gary Phelan dies aged 42 as tributes pour in
ok.co.ukGary Phelan, who is known for his time on the BBC show Fame Academy, has tragically passed away aged 42 in Dubai.The Newcastle-born singer rose to fame back in 2003 on series two of Fame Academy - a talent competition which searched for and educated new musical talents - and while he didn't win the show, he did go on to pursue a career in music.
Gary moved to Dubai in the summer of 2023 and had been performing in pubs and venues in the UAE since, before passing away on Sunday 11 August.
His cause of death has not been shared, but friends and family have been paying tribute on his social media pages. Gary is survived by his mother Barbara, his brother Christopher and his 94-year-old 'nana'.
Gary's former manager, Simon Hanning, shared a heartfelt tribute for the star on Facebook, writing: "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. "I am beyond devastated and can’t as yet put into words how this news has left his family and friends feeling.
Read more on ok.co.uk
