First off Stephen, let's stop beating around the bush! Admit that Boyzone are finally finito!

But that would be wrong! Only the other day we had a meeting about our next tour. And we're also still in discussions about the Boyzone film. I really want Boyzone to carry on and make a new album, and hopefully we will by the end of the year.

You guys are the undisputed kings of the ballad. When, oh when, are you going to release an upbeat track?

I like slow songs, but then I like lots of different types of music. Millions of people sing ballads all the time. Ask your favourite band Westlife that question before me, please! (Ooer, missus!)

Remind us again exactly what Keith and Shane do in Boyzone?

They sing of course! Backing vocals mostly, but on some b-sides and live tracks, they've sung lead. Keith and Shane could both go solo if they wanted. The thing is, Keith's really into his presenting and Shane's into his racing. Shane isn't really into the music business thing. He enjoys Boyzone, but not the music industry. But I think he's a great performer and fantastic on stage.

What really happened with Bright Eyes?

Bright Eyes's the B-side to my single. It was going to be a single in its own right, but then we decided not to release it. But I'd performed Bright Eyes quite a bit and people were familiar with it, so I thought if I didn't release it the fans would be a little cheated. So releasing it as a B-side seemed the best option. That way people get two singles for the price of one!

Why did Mikey have to go solo before we could hear him sing? Were you and Ronan mean to him?

What! Mikey was always able to sing lead whenever he wanted to. He sang lead on some album tracks and at our live shows. The thing is, when it came to choosing our singles, we always chose the best song. And it just so happened that Mikey didn't sing lead on them. It wasn't intentional. (Hmmm!)

Do you own any jumpers which aren't of the V-neck variety?

Huh! (V perturbed) Cheek! I hardly ever wear V-necks, me! I definitely don't wear them too much. (Thinks) I used to wear them a lot, I suppose, but not anymore. Why did I prefer them? Cos my neck is claustrophobic? I dunno! I don't have a whole wardrobe full of them or anything! Give me a break!

And today you are wearing...

(Somewhat cagey) OK! I am wearing one! now shut up! Next question!

Aren't you a little long in the tooth for Disney cartoons?

Nobody is too old for cartoons. When I was a kid my dad watched Tom And Jerry with me, and he loved it! It's also an art form, and I collect original, one-off Disney cells from the movies. And they're very expensive. That's not kids's stuff.

We know you pride yourself on your squeaky-clean image, but you've told us some pretty filthy jokes in your time!

(Laughs) If they were funny, I tell them. But I don't tell dirty, disgusting jokes! i don't! I won't tell them to anyone if I'm not sure that they'll find them funny. I like to make people laugh, that's all.

You're such a poser! Do you ever miss an opportunity to wave or wink at the nearest camera?

(Slightly taken aback) That's only when we play live, because I think it's important to connect with the people watching who only see us as five little faraway dots. Those people paid the same money, and it's only right we should remember them. I won't lie and say I don't enjoy the reaction, but there's more to it than that.

Eloy and your sexuality are still treated as a big deal. Do you ever feel as if that's the only reason people show any interest in you?

Well, I hope that's not the only reason. To be honest, I don't treat it as a big deal. I'd rather talk about my music in interviews than my relationship and thankfully most people respect that. It's not like it's the major talking point. I'm happy to answer a few questions about me and Eloy, but at the end of the day, I'm still little Stephen from Dublin. I don't really know what all the fuss is about.

You and Eloy have been spotted in matching outfits. Now isn't that a little tacky?

No. Look at David and Victoria! It is actually a conscious thing. We do try to match up as much as possible. We don't try to match each other exactly, but say, if he's wearing white, I'll wear white. If i'm wearing black, he'll wear black. We share a similar taste in clothes anyway. I think of it more as a complementing each other than copying. (That's one way of looking at it!)

Finally, have you lied at all during this interview?

As if I would! But please say you have'nt got a lie detector planted anywhere!