Singers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale pose as they arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California February 22, 2009. [Agencies]?

Gavin Rossdale had a five-year relationship with a male pop star.

The former Bush singer - who has two sons with wife Gwen Stefani and a daughter from a previous relationship - allegedly had a long romance with androgynous British singer Marilyn in the 80s.

Marilyn, 46, said: "He was the love of my life. We were together five years, but it felt like 40."

In 1995, singer Boy George - a close friend of Marilyn - alleged Gavin, 43, and Marilyn had had an affair in his autobiography 'Take It Like A Man' but both men denied the claims.

However, Marilyn - real name Peter Robinson - insists he lied in order to protect the 'Swallowed' singer's burgeoning career.

Responding to Boy George's claims, Gavin previously said: "I wasn't dating Marilyn. We were, and still are, good friends. George thinks everyone is gay."

Boy George - real name George O'Dowd - insisted the story was true and alleged that Gavin had begged him not to include details of his gay romance in his book.

George recalled: "When I was writing 'Take It Like A Man', Bush were well on their way to rock stardom and he appeared at my house to persuade me not to include him and Marilyn.

"I agreed to leave some stuff out but I wasn't prepared to lie. I don't think Marilyn has ever really got over Gavin."