Gareth, looking as clean and innocent as he did five years ago when he disappeared from the public eye, showed a maturity beyond his twenty two years as he openly discussed his unfortunate entanglement with the notorious Jordan, his present girl friend and hopes for the future. His come back is most welcome as this young man has a unique voice and personality that can only enrich our lives. He has totally overcome his stammer and is now helping others who have the same affliction.

He talked openly about his disastrous three month fling with Jordan. He spoke about being a seventeen year old family and religious boy, a virgin who was too much for the likes of Jordan to resist as she pursued him (his words) and corrupted his life. Apparently, she moved on happily and left the broken young boy behind. They had both agreed to keep the affair a secret because she was pregnant with another man’s baby and he was ashamed of his relationship with her. He kept his side of the bargain but she, to his shock and amazement, sold the story to the press. What type of woman is this Jordan? His greatest regret was having lied about the relationship to his family and especially to his mother who he is, unashamedly, very close to calling her his closest friend. So refreshing to see a young man not ashamed to declare his love for his mother stating that he honestly did not care what others thought of this..

We saw very little of his girlfriend of four years, who seems to be a very pretty, talented girl, a dancer and model, as careful as he is with her words and in full support of Gareth’s hoped for return to the music world.

It was sad to hear that Simon Cowell apparently dropped him five years ago, as did the company he had a record contract with, as he had been his mentor all along in Pop Idol (where Gareth came second to Will Smith) but Gareth has said that he is happy to be a free agent who writes his own songs.

Welcome back Gareth Gates we wish you every success in your venture.

This article was written by Evelyn Lewis. Thanks Evelyn!

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?

Well another reality TV star has been assigned to the rubbish tip as Alex Parkes winner of Fame Academy was dumped by her record company Polydor last week.

Alex said “I’ve had no support from the media. Whether that’s because they don’t like my music or they don’t like me, or because I’m from a reality TV show, I don’t know.”

Alex follows in the footsteps of Michelle McManus and Gareth Gates of Pop Idol, David Sneddon of Fame Academy, Hear’say of Pop Stars and Steve Brookstein of the X Factor. So watch out, Shayne Ward, you may be next!