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Jordan talks about Gareth's love by SMS

Jordan says Gareth Gates told her that he loved her in a text message.

She says the singer revealed his feelings for her after they had been seeing each other for about a month.

She told Heat magazine: "He sent me a text message saying it. And then the next time we met up again a couple of days later at my mates house he said it again to my face."

Jordan said Gareth also used to send her text messages during breaks in live Pop Idol shows, such as: "Watch the next song. I'll be looking at the camera and thinking of you."

She added: "I couldn't tell anyone so I used to watch it and think: "I'm going out with him".

But Gareth suddenly ended the relationship after he came second in the show and when the newspapers got hold of the story about their relationship.

"I phoned him at home one day to chat and he just came out with it. He said: "I'm not going to have time for you now. I've got to focus on my music." I was just shocked. It was so sudden."

But she said she didn't regret going out with him and even admitted she would go out with him again if they were both single and he asked her.

"Any girl who goes out with him will be lucky because he really makes you feel like a princess," she said.

3/2/2004


Jordan says she was besotted with 'virgin' Gareth

Jordan says Gareth Gates was a virgin when she slept with him and made her feel "like a proper teenager in love again".

Jordan says she was besotted with 'virgin' Gareth

The model told Heat magazine that the sex was over in less than a minute but he was a tender lover and she was besotted.

Jordan said she fancied Gareth from the first time she ever saw him on television during the Pop Idol auditions.

The model didn't think he would be interested as she was pregnant but rang him up out of the blue after getting his number from a friend.

They agreed to meet and she picked him up from a hotel and they went to a friend's house but kept the relationship secret from the Pop Idol organisers.

Jordan said: "I remember looking at him in the car mirror when he was walking up and I was checking him out. I was like: "Cor, he's gorgeous".

"You know when you get butterflies and go all silly and clumsy. Like that. Couldn't eat in front of him, all those things."

She said it was another three weeks before they slept together and that he was a virgin: "He said he'd done it with a family friend but that was bullsh*t. I could just tell. It was over in seconds. A minute at a push."

But she said he was a tender lover: "It was more than just sex. Even though it didn't last very long, he was kissing me really slowly and gently. It was really nice."

27/1/2004


Gareth Gates to vote Jordan out of I'm A Celebrity

Gareth Gates says he'll be voting Jordan out of I'm A Celebrity.

The busty glamour model has said she'll dish the dirt on Gareth when the new series starts next week.

She slept with the Pop Idol star when she was six months pregnant.

But Gareth claims he isn't bothered about what she will reveal during two weeks in the jungle. "I've said everything that needs to be said and I'm sure she has, so I'm not that worried. I probably won't be tuning in though.''

The Daily Record says when asked if he'll be using his phone to back Jordan, Gates said: ''Yeah, vote her out.''

It's the latest in the pair's war of words which began when Jordan revealed she'd slept with Gates. He denied it at first, and Jordan swore revenge.

When Gareth finally admitted the affair last July, he said: ''I shouldn't have denied it, but I did. I was naive. But I have learned a lot about people from this experience. I was 17 and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her.''

22/1/2004


Will and Gareth scoop three National Music Awards

Will Young and Gareth Gates have continued their success in public votes by scooping three National Music Awards.

Gates won favourite TV music performance and favourite male singer, while Young won favourite album with From Now On at the awards, which are decided by only public telephone votes.

27/10/2003


Gareth Gates announces first solo tour

Gareth Gates has announced details of his first solo tour.

The six-date arena tour, next February and March, ends at Wembley Arena on March 6.

The rest of the dates are: Glasgow SECC (February 28), Birmingham NEC (29), Sheffield Hallam Arena (March 2), Newcastle Telewest Arena (3) and Manchester Evening News Arena (4).

Tickets go on sale on Friday.

Gareth said, "I've wanted to do a solo tour since I can remember. It's such an amazing feeling when you're out on the road meeting all the fans.

"Without my fans I wouldn't be where I am today, they've always been so supportive and loyal, I can't thank them enough, so this tour means the world to me and I'm really looking forward to it."

2/10/2003


Gareth crowned children's favourite

Gareth Gates has been crowned children's favourite for the second year running when he scooped the Best Male gong at the Disney Channel Kids Awards.

Gareth crowned children's favourite

He pipped a host of other nominees to take the award at the bash held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Dannii Minogue - who performed two of her hits for the audience - took the Best Female award while urban outfit Big Brovaz grabbed the Best Group accolade.

Other winners at the ceremony included Busted, who won the Best Newcomer category, and Girls Aloud who collected the Best Single award for their number one hit Sound Of The Underground.

Fans watching the bash were also treated to a world television exclusive performance by Craig David of his new single, World Filled With Love.

The star also picked up a gong for Best Studio Disney Performance.

21/9/2003


Gareth is proud of his Bradford roots

Gareth Gates has insisted he is proud of his Bradford roots, despite now claiming to be a Londoner.

The chart-topping star admitted in his autobiography that he hides his Bradford background when meeting new people.

Many foreigners have never heard of Bradford so it is easier to claim he is from the capital, he explained in his new book, Talking Point.

But his remarks caused upset in the Yorkshire city and he is keen to undo the damage.

"My roots are obviously in Bradford - always have been and always will be," he said.

"I spend as much spare time as I can back there with my friends and family and it's home to me.

"When I'm asked where I live, I say London as that's where I'm based now. But home will always be Bradford and I'm proud of that."

The 19-year-old singer spent his life in Bradford until ITV talent show Pop Idol turned him into a star and he moved to a luxury flat in London.

He became an ambassador for the city during its bid to become the European Capital of Culture.

He recently splashed out on a £500,000 farmhouse for his family on the outskirts of Bradford.

10/9/2003


Gareth cancels festival appearance

More than 30,000 pop fans have been left disappointed after Gareth Gates cancelled an appearance at a music festival due to illness.

Other acts appearing at Hebs Live and Loud in Glasgow's Hampden Park include Blue, Liberty X, Sugababes, Mis-Teeq, Busted, Girls Aloud, Dannii Minogue, Blazin Squad, Kym Marsh and Lisa Scott-Lee.

Scotland's own chart-toppers Darius, from Bearsden, near Glasgow, and David Sneddon, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, were also taking part in the event.

A spokeswoman for the event said: "We are disappointed to confirm that Gareth Gates has cancelled his scheduled appearance at this year's Hebs Live and Loud due to illness.

"We are sure all of Gareth's Scottish fans would like to join everyone here at the event in sending him all our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

"We still have an amazing line-up of the best UK pop acts on the bill and fans are in for a fantastic afternoon of music."

27/7/2003


Gareth admits relationship with pregnant Jordan

Gareth Gates has admitted that he did have a relationship with Jordan when she was pregnant.

Gareth admits relationship with pregnant Jordan

The singer had previously denied a liaison with the topless model, despite her own confessions to tabloid newspapers.

But Gates has finally spoken about the coupling in an interview with Heat magazine.

"I have never spoken about my personal relationships with anyone and had no intention of doing so until now.

"At the end of Pop Idol I did have a brief relationship with Jordan," the 18-year-old said.

Gates said that at the time he found Jordan's attentions flattering.

"I was 17 years old and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her. I was bemused as to why she went to the press with it as I see relationships as private.

"That was the very reason I didn't talk about it. I was embarrassed by what was said and didn't want my family to find out about it in this way. They obviously know now as I have been open with them."

Jordan, whose real name is Katie Price, has said that she had a three-month relationship with Gareth.

15/7/2003


Pop Idols' Beatles cover is voted one of the worst

Will Young and Gareth Gates's rendition of The Long And Winding Road has been named one of the worst Beatles covers of all time.

The track by the Pop Idol stars was named the third worst in a poll for digital TV channel Music Choice.

Star Trek star William Shatner's spoken word version of Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds was thought the worst ever rendition of a Beatles song.

Shatner finished just ahead of Pinky & Perky who did a version of All My Loving.

Former Formula One driver Damon Hill, who was a pal of late Beatle George Harrison, finished in fourth position for his version of Drive My Car.

Jim Carrey made the list for his version of I Am The Walrus, which he recorded for a tribute album for Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

Simon Bell of Music Choice said: "There can be few greater challenges even for the finest musicians than attempting to cover a track by The Beatles.

"After all, how can you hope to improve on the work of the world's greatest ever group?

"While chart acts like PM Dawn, Suggs and Candy Flip might feel entitled to have a stab at greatness, the likes of Damon Hill, Jim Carrey and William Shatner are best advised to stick to the day job."

The full top ten includes:
1. William Shatner - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds;
2. Pinky & Perky - All My Loving;
3. Will Young & Gareth Gates - The Long and Winding Road;
4. Damon Hill - Drive My Car;
5. Bananarama with French & Saunders - Help!;
6. Jim Carrey - I Am the Walrus;
7. Wet Wet Wet - With A Little Help From My Friends;
8. Suggs - I'm Only Sleeping;
9. PM Dawn - Norwegian Wood;
10. Candy Flip - Strawberry Fields Forever.

2/5/2003


Gareth and the Kumars straight in at number one

Gareth Gates' charity single in aid of Comic Relief has stormed into the Top 40 at number one.

Spirit in the Sky, which features television characters the Kumars, has knocked Christina Aguilera's song Beautiful off the top spot.

Six of this week's top 10 are new entries, including All I Have, by Jennifer Lopez, featuring LL Cool J, which entered the charts at number two.

Shania Twain's latest single, Ka-Ching, came in at number eight.

Norah Jones held on to the top of the album charts for another week with Come Away with Me.

16/3/2003


Gareth Gates famous spike auctioned for Comic Relief

Comic Les Dennis could muster only a cut price by drawing the lowest bid in a celebrity hair auction for Comic Relief.

His locks went for just £35, in the online auction organised by hair firm Wella.

Top Of The Mops in the auction was Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe whose trimmings went for £751.

Second was Gareth Gates whose famous spike went for £651, while Dolly the Sheep's wool fetched £500.

Dennis's thatch even managed only a fifth of the total pulled in by Christine and Neil Hamilton of £181.

The former Family Fortunes host last year parted from his wife Amanda Holden, who coincidentally stars as a hairdresser in TV's Cutting It.

The auction raised more than £3,500 for Comic Relief.

14/3/2003


Test disaster for stars of Celebrity Driving School

Fans of Celebrity Driving School will see the contestants suffer a catalogue of mishaps as they take their driving tests this week.

Test disaster for stars of Celebrity Driving School

Jade stalls three times on her three point turn as her examiner laughs nervously and scribbles away on her test sheet. And, a show insider described Simon Day's effort at parallel parking as "appalling".

Test disaster for stars of Celebrity Driving School

Nadia leaves the indicator on for ages only to be told by her examiner that she is confusing the drivers behind her.

Viewers will also see a nervous Paul O'Grady struggle to open the car door and then clip a parked car's wing mirror at the start of the test, while Gareth Gates gets in the car but realises he has left the keys in his jacket pocket.

A Comic Relief spokesman said: "To be honest, test day was not good. They were all petrified - apart from Natalie who is ice cool.

"Paul was the most nervous - I thought he was going to chicken out. Jade got herself really worked up as well. Gareth was really cocky and didn't seem to have any nerves -but maybe that was his way of hiding them."

The celebrities will be seen taking their tests on BBC1 tonight at 8.30pm, with the results announced on Red Nose Night on March 14, from 7pm.

7/3/2003


Gareth Gates to star in S Club movie

S Club are set to release their debut movie Seeing Double in UK cinemas on April 11.

The film, which follows the band in their bid to uncover a plot to clone pop stars, has a cameo appearance by Gareth Gates.

In one scene they end up behind bars after they're caught fleeing a hotel without paying the bill.

But it turns out that S Club have been cloned themselves - by an evil scientist.

Band member Bradley told The Sun: "Some of our fans will be surprised to see us in jail but they needn't worry.

"We haven't turned into movie baddies and it sets the crazy tone for the rest of the film.

"It was great fun to make and is a bit more grown-up than our TV series," he said.

S Club kick off their UK tour in Glasgow on April 2.

6/3/2003


Gareth Gates goes for R'n'B sound

Gareth Gates says he's quitting cheesy pop to go more R'n'B.

Gareth Gates goes for R'n'B sound

The star is currently working on a number of new tracks, which he says will surprise fans.

His latest single, in aid of Comic Relief, is a new version of the Norman Greenbaum classic Spirit In The Sky.

Gareth told the Radio Times: "The new tracks I am working on have much more of an R'n'B feel.

"I want to move away from pop - well, not pop as a whole but I want to get away from the cheesy side of it."

4/3/2003


Will and Gareth riding high in music's rich list

Will Young and Gareth Gates enter the chart, sharing 20th position with £1.2 million each.

25/2/2003


Gareth Gates to help launch Red Nose Day

Caprice has been tending to Lenny Henry's afro wig to launch Comic Relief 2003 - The Big Hair Do.

Gareth Gates to help launch Red Nose Day

They were joined by Gareth Gates, Gary Lineker and Patrick Kielty in a mock barber's shop.

Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Vic and Bob, and Adam and Joe lead the list of comedians taking part in this year's night of entertainment on BBC1.

Gareth Gates to help launch Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day, on March 14, also includes special comedy episodes of EastEnders, French And Saunders and The Kumars.

Comic Relief Does Celebrity Driving School, sees Gareth Gates, Jade Goody, Paul O'Grady and Nadia Sawalha test their driving skills.

And, viewers will see Billy Connolly help out in a 200-bed hospital in Somaliland for African Hospital.

Comic Relief - The Ultimate Makeover, features celebrities including Davina McCall, Lenny Henry and Gordon Ramsay, cooking, building and digging their way through a challenge.

More information on Comic Relief 2003 is available at www.rednoseday.com.

7/2/2003


The Kumars help Gareth Gates with video

Gareth Gates has recruited The Kumars' star Sanjeev Bhaskar to assist with his new video.

His cover of Spirit In The Sky - this year's Comic Relief record - has a Bollywood flavour to it and features dancers from the musical Bombay Dreams.

Sanjeev said he helped teach Gareth his dance steps.

The charity record will be released in the run-up to Red Nose Day on March 14.

Speaking about the video shoot, Sanjeev told Radio 1: "In the video, Gareth has had a bad hair day - and hair is the comic relief symbol this year. So he has this dream where the Kumar family take him up to their Bollywood heaven and put his hair straight.

"I've kind of taughted him everything he needed to know about the day. I taught him the dance steps, how to sing the song, a couple of comedy routines to help him put his shoes on.

He joked: "I think he's coming along nicely. He should release a couple of singles or something, I think he'll do well."

7/2/2003


Gareth Gates 'dating 27-year-old dancer'

Gareth Gates is reportedly dating a dancer nine years his senior.

The star met Suzanne Mole, 27, at the Record Of The Year 2002 awards in December.

Suzanne used to date singer Sean Conlon, of now defunct boy band Five.

Gareth told The Sun: "I've been seeing Suzanne on and off since the beginning of the year. It's not serious - but I have been seeing her."

6/2/2003


Gareth Gates to sing Comic Relief single

Gareth Gates is to record this year's official Comic Relief single.

Gareth Gates to sing Comic Relief single

He will release the charity record in the run-up to Red Nose Day on March 14.

He will follow in the footsteps of The Spice Girls, and Westlife, who had a number one two years ago with their cover of Uptown Girl.

Pop Idol winner Will Young has already gone down the charity single route with Don't Let Me Down, released in aid of Children In Need.

A spokeswoman for the charity confirmed Gareth had been chosen but no decision had been made yet on the choice of song.

It has not yet been decided whether he will record a cover version or release a new track, or whether other stars will join him on the single.

The record is not Gareth's only involvement with this year's Comic Relief.

The Bradford-born teenager is also one of the famous faces taking part in Celebrity Driving School.

3/1/2003


Gareth 'to attract older women with his muscles'

Gareth Gates is reported to be planning a new image in an attempt to attract older fans.

He says one of his New Year's resolutions is to work out at the gym.

It is thought the singer's management wants him to widen his appeal to older women, as well as his devoted young followers.

Gareth told Sky News: "My main aim for the New Year is to work out more. I want to get really big."

3/1/2003


Gareth to miss out on top five

Gareth Gates looks set to miss out on the top five this weekend.

Gareth's new single, What My Heart Wants To Say, is expected to chart at number six according to latest figures from Virgin Megastores.

His previous two singles and his duet with Will Young have all charted at No 1.

Blue's duet with Elton John, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, is well ahead of the competition in the race for number one.

The Cheeky Girls should remain at number two with Eminem dropping down to number three.

Daniel Bedingfield should be at number four with Robbie Williams' Feel at five.

In the album chart, the number one album should be Now 53.

The Fame Academy album is expected to debut at number two.

10/12/2002


Shortlist for Record Of The Year announced

Holly Valance, Gareth Gates and Will Young are among artists vying for this year's Record Of The Year title.

A shortlist of ten songs has been drawn up for the award, presented by Ant and Dec on ITV this Saturday.

The ten finalists also include Darius, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Liberty X, Elvis V Junkie XL, Atomic Kitten and Ronan Keating.

Viewers will be able to cast their votes on the night.

Last year's winners were S Club 7 with their hit Don't Stop Movin'.

4/12/2002


Gareth's a smash hit with pop voters

Westlife and Gareth Gates have swept the board at the Smash Hits T4 Poll Winners Party.

They scooped four awards apiece, including Best Band for Westlife and Best Male for Gareth.

Gareth's a smash hit with pop voters

The 18-year-old was also named Best Newcomer and Most Fanciable Male, while his spiky haircut won an award of its own.

Other winners included Blue, named Best UK Band and Best Live Act, and Liberty X, who won the Best Single award for Just A Little.

So Solid Crew won Best R&B/Garage Act, Pink was named Best Female and Sugababes scooped Best Album for Angels With Dirty Faces.

Pop fans packed the London Arena for the star-studded awards ceremony, co-hosted by T4's Vernon Kay and June Sarpong together with Kelly Osbourne.

Atomic Kitten, Ms Dynamite, S Club and Holly Valance were among the stars who performed at the awards.

The day's big losers were Christina Aguilera and Jade Goody.

Aguilera picked up gongs for having the worst dress sense and worst haircut in pop, while Jade's accolades included the Most Hideous award.

Westlife capped a winning afternoon by being inducted into the Smash Hits Hall of Fame.

24/11/2002


Gareth Gates and S Club headline Children In Need gigs

Gareth Gates, S Club, Atomic Kitten and Sugababes are to headline three free outdoor concerts for BBC Children in Need.

The gigs take place at Blackpool, Ipswich and Middlesbrough on Friday November 15 at 7pm.

Also performing will be S Club Juniors, Liberty X, Busted, Zoe Birkett and Sarah Whatmore.

It coincides with the annual BBC1 event, hosted by Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin.

The venues and acts are:

Blackpool - Atomic Kitten, Gareth Gates and Zoe Birkett
Presented by Richard Blackwood

Ipswich Town Football Club - S Club and S Club Juniors and Sarah Whatmore
Presented by Philippa Forrester

Middlesbrough Football Club - Sugababes, Liberty X and Busted
Presented by Roger Black and Angelica Bell

More information about the events is available at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

1/11/2002


Coldplay, Ms Dynamite and Will Young each up for three TOTP awards

Coldplay, Ms Dynamite and Will Young lead the way in this year's Top Of The Pops Award nominations.

Gareth Gates is up against Will in two categories - top newcomer along with The Streets, Holly Valance, and Ms Dynamite, and top pop, against Atomic Kitten, Blue and Sugababes.

31/10/2002


Gareth Gates to appear in Leeds

Gareth Gates is to appear at Virgin Megastore in Leeds on Friday.

The star will be signing copies of his debut album What My Heart Wants To Say.

He is set to meet fans from noon to 2pm.

31/10/2002


Gareth expected to miss out on album number one

Gareth Gates' new album will enter the chart at number two according to the latest chart figures.

What My Heart Wants To Say is not selling as many copies as David Gray's New Day At Midnight.

29/10/2002


Gareth mobbed by hundreds of Scottish fans

Gareth Gates has been mobbed by hundreds of Scottish fans as he signed copies of his debut album in Glasgow.

The teenager visited the city's Virgin Megastore to promote What My Heart Wants To Say.

A heavy security and police presence was in force at the store to keep fans in place.

Gareth signed copies of the album and posed for photographs for 600 fans, some of who had queued for hours to get entry passes for the event.

He and Pop Idol winner Will Young are due to appear at the city's SECC.

Although only fans who had collected entry passes beforehand were allowed to meet the young heart-throb, scores of other fans waited outside the store to catch a glimpse of him.

28/10/2002


Will Young wins two National Music Awards

Will Young has beaten Gareth Gates to be named Favourite UK Male and Favourite Newcomer at the National Music Awards.

The awards were voted for by the public.

But Gareth did pick up an award for Favourite TV Music Performance.

Kylie Minogue was voted Queen Of Pop according to The Sun.

Sophie Ellis Bextor won Favourite UK Female.

The awards will be televised on Thursday at 9pm on ITV 1.

28/10/2002


Gareth Gates to record with member of So Solid Crew

Gareth Gates is to record a duet with Romeo from So Solid Crew.

Gareth says the song will be more R&B than pop.

He says he expects the song to be released early next year.

"I'll change my name to be part of the crew, probably MC G," he told the News Of The World.

27/10/2002


Will, Gareth, Kylie and Ronan set for Royal Variety Performance

Will Young, Gareth Gates, Ronan Keating and Kylie Minogue are among the performers confirmed for this year's Royal Variety Performance.

Will, Gareth, Kylie and Ronan set for Royal Variety Performance

They will be joined by Anastacia, Enrique Iglesias, Shania Twain and Shirley Bassey.

Bob Monkhouse, Lee Mack and Omid Djalili will provide the comedy.

The show will also feature performances by the cast of Bombay Dreams and Our House, the new musical based on Madness songs.

The show takes place on December 2 at the Hammersmith Apollo in the presence of Prince Charles.

16/10/2002


Ketchup song hits number 1

The Ketchup Song has knocked Will Young and Gareth Gates off the top of the singles chart.

The song by the Spanish group Las Ketchup has been outselling The Long and Winding Road by three to one.

The cover of The Long and Winding Road by the Pop Idol duo had been number one in the singles chart for two weeks but slipped to number three.

13/10/2002


Gareth voted best male artist

Gareth Gates has won the Disney Channel Kids Award for best male artist or group.

Gareth voted best male artist

The Pop Idol show also produced another two winners - hosts Ant and Dec, who took the award for best TV stars.

Manchester United and England captain David Beckham won best footballer of the year.

Atomic Kitten pipped Kylie Minogue and the Sugababes to win best female artist or group.

Blue won act of the year while Holly Valance took best single for Kiss Kiss.

Liberty X won best dance act and S Club Juniors best newcomer, while Monsters Inc won best film.

The awards, now in their fifth year, were presented at a ceremony in London's Docklands.

12/10/2002


Prince joins crowd for Will and Gareth concert

The Prince of Wales has joined 12,000 screaming fans at a sell-out charity concert by Pop Idols Will Young and Gareth Gates.

Prince joins crowd for Will and Gareth concert

The two singers met the Prince backstage at the Wembley Arena venue, before he settled down to enjoy the performance, staged in aid of the Prince's Trust.

The duo added the extra date, at the north London venue, to their UK tour to raise money for the charity.

It was expected to raise more than £250,000 for the Trust, for which Will and Gareth are both celebrity ambassadors.

Gareth's ripped jeans and studded belt with his name emblazoned on it drew a comment from the Prince, who said: "I must remember to get my trousers distressed."

Asked by the Prince how he was enjoying chart success, Gareth enthused about his duo with Will, The Long and Winding Road, being at number one in the singles charts.

Gareth was then whisked off to be secured into a harness ready to be "flown" on to stage for the second half.

Will, who has performed in front of the Prince at Buckingham Palace this summer, as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, also said how good if felt to be at number one in the album charts with his debut release.

The pair, who are due to perform at venues from London to Glasgow as part of their tour, sang their number one hit plus material from both their long-awaited albums.

Pop Idol runner-up Zoe Birkett, 17, also sang, in support, at the concert.

Will and Gareth were originally scheduled to meet the Prince in April but that meeting was cancelled when the Queen Mother died.

10/10/2002


Pepsi drops Gareth Gates

Pepsi has confirmed it is to drop Gareth Gates as the face of its brand.

He signed a £750,000 advertising deal with the drinks company just seven months ago.

But Pepsi has decided not to renew its one-year deal with the Pop Idol runner-up when it ends in March 2003.

A spokesman for Pepsi told Media Guardian: "We are always hopeful people will become superstars. But in the same way as our deal with Roy Keane ran its course, Gareth has done his job and he's been great.

"The partnership will come to a natural conclusion and we wish him all the best for the future."

10/10/2002


Gareth Gates to perform at Disney Channel Kids Awards

Gareth Gates will be singing at the Disney Channel Kids Awards at the London Arena this Saturday.

Joining him on stage will be Atomic Kitten, Holly Valance, A1, Blue, Liberty X and S Club Juniors.

9/10/2002


Las Ketchup heading for UK number one

Will and Gareth look set to be knocked off the top of the UK chart.

Las Ketchup heading for UK number one

The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup is outselling the Pop Idols by two to one.

But there is good news for Will, whose debut album From Now On is set to go straight to the top of the album chart.

The Foo Fighters and S Club Juniors are also expected to be new entries in the singles chart, at numbers three and four respectively.

Avril Lavigne's Complicated is expected to drop to number five according to the latest figures from Virgin Megastores.

8/10/2002


Gareth and Jade to take part in Celebrity Driving School

Jade Goody and Gareth Gates are said to be in talks about taking part in a celebrity version of Driving School for Comic Relief.

According to Heat magazine, the show will follow the stars as they learn to drive.

On the night of Red Nose Day (March 14), viewers will find out who actually managed to pass their driving test.

8/10/2002


Will and Gareth on course for second week at Number 1

Will Young and Gareth Gates look set to stay at number one this weekend.

According to midweek sales figures The Long And Winding Road will hold on to the top spot for a second week.

Holly Valance is expected to enter the chart at number two.

A spokeswoman for Virgin Megastores told Ananova: "Will and Gareth are way ahead of Holly".

Avril Lavigne should stay at number three with Complicated.

2/10/2002


Will and Gareth beat Oasis to chart top spot

Will Young and Gareth Gates have beaten Oasis to the chart top spot.

The pair entered the singles chart at number one with The Long and Winding Road/Suspicious.

Oasis are at number two with Little By Little/She Is Love while Avril Lavigne is at three with Complicated.

Elvis Presley reinforced his seemingly infinite appeal, years after his death, by nailing the top spot in the album chart.

His compilation, ELV1S - 30 Number 1 Hits, follows up the single, A Little Less Conversation, which gave him the record for British number one singles.

Elsewhere in the album list, Bon Jovi entered the chart at number two with Bounce, while singer Pink is at three with Missundaztood.

Both albums by Coldplay remain in the top 20, while Peter Gabriel's long awaited new offering, Up, entered the chart at number 11.

29/9/2002


Gareth tops book chart

Gareth Gates's biography has gone straight to the top of the UK's book chart.

BUY Gareth Gates - Right from the Start Book
BUY Gareth's Book

Right from the Start has knocked The Black House, a collaboration between Stephen King and Peter Straub, off the top.

The book tells of Gareth's life in Bradford before he auditioned for Pop Idol as well as his time on the show and his record deal afterwards.

According to figures from Bookscan, the book sold over 17,000 copies in its first week on sale.

25/9/2002


Will and Gareth on course for number one

Will Young and Gareth Gates look set to storm to the number one on Sunday.

They've got the fastest selling single in the country at the moment according to the latest sales figures from Virgin.

If The Long And Winding Road does enter the chart at in the top spot it'll be both singers third number one.

Oasis are currently in second place with Little By Little with Avril Lavigne is expected to make her UK chart debut at number three.

The current number one, Pink's Just Like A Pill, is in fourth place followed by Atomic Kitten's version of The Tide Is High at five.

24/9/2002


Gareth Gates and Holly Valance expected at Elle Fashion Awards

Gareth Gates, Holly Valance, Jimi Mistry and the So Solid Crew are expected to attend the Elle Fashion Awards.

The event takes place at the Natural History Museum in London tonight as part of London Fashion Week.

Awards categories include actor, actress, music star, TV star and model.

16/9/2002


Will, Gareth and Craig set for TOTP Awards

Gareth Gates, Will Young and Craig David are to perform at this year's Top Of The Pops Awards.

Will, Gareth and Craig set for TOTP Awards

The second annual award ceremony will take place at the Manchester Evening News Arena on November 29.

Organisers say nine other acts will perform at the event as well as two special collaborations that will be kept a closely guarded secret until the night.

Pop fans will be able to vote for their favourite acts during November, and the awards will be shown on the BBC shortly after they take place. The nominations have not yet been announced.

Will says he's really looking forward to the awards:

"To be asked to perform at the Top Of The Pops Awards is fantastic," he said.

"The show is a bit like a national treasure - it should be good fun!"

Gareth added: "I can't wait to get out there and see all the fans. There's nothing better than seeing everyone shouting my name and getting a buzz out of my music, it's great."

13/9/2002


Gareth is worried about Popstars bands

Gareth Gates says he's worried the two bands created by Popstars: The Rivals could affect his career.

Gareth says he expects the hype around the two groups to guarantee one of them the Christmas number one.

He says he watched the first edition of the show and thinks there is a lot of talent in the UK.

"I'm worried, I had better watch my back," he tells The Sun.

"You saw it with Pop Idol and the hype around the show certainly helped me, so I think it will be the same with this.

"If there's the same amount of hype then you think they will do really well, which will affect everyone else," he said.

12/9/2002


Will and Gareth lined up for Prom In The Park

Will Young and Gareth Gates are to perform at the CBBC Prom In The Park.The Pop Idols will play with the BBC Philharmonic and together they will sing their cover of the Beatles' Long And Winding Road.

Will is set to perform Summertime, from Gershwin's Porgy And Bess, and Gareth will sing Beat Out That Rhythm On A Drum.

The concert takes place in London's Hyde Park on September 15, with a programme of popular classical tunes which will be familiar to youngsters.

Proms director Nicholas Kenyon said Will and Gareth help youngsters identify with the music and introduce a new generation to the concerts.

"We have to recognise there is no longer a dividing line between the classical and pop worlds. They're not in completely separate camps - there's an overlap," he said.

"We have to respond to what the audience listens to, and the audience's tastes are wider and more volatile than ever. They are just as happy with the Buena Vista Social Club as they are with the classical masterpieces."

But he added: "The Proms will always be a festival based on the great classical repertory."

He said this year the programme includes "world music, musicals and Flamenco, and they can coexist with Mahler, Bruckner and Boulez - that's what's happening on Radio 3."

In the past the Tweenies and Steps have made appearances at the CBBC event, which is held the day after the Last Night of the Proms.

3/9/2002


Pop Idol Gareth helps launch new soft drink

Pop Idol star Gareth Gates has helped launch a new soft drink.

Pop Idol Gareth helps launch new soft drink

The singer has been recruited by Pepsi as part of the UK unveiling of their new lemon-flavoured variety.

Pepsi Twist was first launched in the US.

Karen Goffe, from Pepsi, said: "Pepsi was the first to launch a lemon-flavoured cola in the States and the UK launch is the next step in a leading innovation programme."

20/8/2002


Will says he felt uncomfortable with Elvis track

Will Young says he turned down the chance to duet with Gareth Gates on an Elvis cover.

He said he felt "uncomfortable" performing on the track Suspicious Minds.

The pair release their first joint single, The Beatles' The Long And Winding Road, on September 23.

The single is a double A-side which also features the Elvis Presley classic Suspicious Minds, sung by Gareth.

Will said: "Although I was invited to join Gareth to duet on Suspicious Minds, I was uncomfortable with the track and suggested he did it solo as it suits his voice well.

"It sounds fantastic and I hope both tracks go down equally well."

However he does perform a song on his own, Jackie Wilson's I Get The Sweetest Feeling, as a bonus track on the single.

Following the forthcoming release the two stars say they will "move on" to follow divergent career paths.

Will said: "After this, both Gareth and I will move on and take the different musical routes we both wish to follow."

14/8/2002


Gareth's Elvis cover to feature on Disney soundtrack

Gareth Gates's version of Suspicious Minds is to feature on the soundtrack of a new animated Disney film.

Lilo And Stitch is about an Elvis Presley-loving alien who makes friends with a young Hawaiian girl.

It is due to hit UK cinemas on October 4.

The US version of the film's soundtrack album features Elvis hits including Heartbreak Hotel, Stuck On You, Devil In Disguise and Hound Dog.

In Europe, it will include Gareth's cover of Suspicious Minds, reports The Sun.

It is being released as a double A-side with his duet with Will Young on The Beatles' The Long And Winding Road on September 23.

13/8/2002


Pop Idol judge admits he favours Gareth over Will

Simon Cowell has admitted he works harder on Gareth Gates than Will Young.

They are both signed to his record label BMG.

But the Pop Idol judge says he puts more effort into Gareth even though he lost out to Will, reports The Sun.

Simon said: "I don't think Will wants to work with me and so I put my energies into Gareth.

"I don't think Will likes me very much. Maybe I was nasty to him.

"The difference between Will and Gareth is that Gareth wants to work with me and take my ideas and I don't think Will does. I suggested something to Will recently and he said no. I told him he was making a mistake.

"I would love to work with Will more but you can only do so much."

7/8/2002


Thousands turn out for Pop Idol star's 'homecoming'

Up to 15,000 fans turned out to welcome Pop Idol star Gareth Gates back to his home town.

Gareth Gates to play free hometown show

The 18-year-old was greeted by screaming youngsters in Bradford's Centenary Square as he performed after being given a civic reception by the council.

Streets throughout the city centre were closed for the homecoming event which attracted families, groups of teenagers, pensioners and some loyal fans who had travelled from all over the north of England.

Even the occasional heavy shower did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds as Gareth was joined by his sister Nicola for a duet dedicated to his home town.

One city councillor, Phillip Thornton said: "He got a true Bradford welcome. It was a fantastic day.

"Even the rain didn't seem to put anyone off. He got a great reception and he went down really well.

"It was a great day for the city."

Gareth's homecoming was o