At 17 Gareth Gates had the world at his feet; he was the fastest selling British artist ever, racking up four number ones and two best selling albums. He became a household name and the most famous teenager in Britain. When he went out in public, infatuated fans sparked near-riots.

By 22, Gareth had been dropped by his record company; he had been loved and ridiculed in the press for being the favourite to win Pop Idol; admired for his determination to overcome his speech impediment and a fondness for his cheeky, boy-next-door good looks. From stories speculating that he lost his virginity to glamour girl Jordan and being pictured drunk in public to displaying a wilder side to his personality.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GARETH GATES? airs on ITV on Saturday 23 December and follows Gareth’s very personal journey, as he fully opens up to the cameras for the first time speaking fluently. From the early days of overnight success, to his public fall from grace, this film is a candid, warts-and-all portrait in which nothing is off limits. The film will explore Gareth’s hopes and fears for the future as he reflects on what’s happened in the past and as he prepares to release his new material to the public.

Share in some intimate moments as he visits his family home in Bradford and talks emotionally about why he denied his relationship with Jordon, describes how his life changed dramatically in the past few years; be a fly on the wall as he excitedly begins to write and record new musical material, and witness the evident fondness the public still has for Gareth.

Gareth’s is a cautionary tale of a seemingly brave unstoppable teenager thrust into the limelight. Achieving great chart success, adored by a nation, and with the world at his feet, his fame and status slipped from his grasp. Follow the story of Gareth Gates as he prepares to embark on the next step in his career. What is it that attracts him back to the world that so quickly turned its back on him?