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!

The word on the street is that Pop Idol will be returning to our screens next year and the new series will have much more emphasis on performers and less on the judges.

Channel Five and Sky One are battling ITV for the show but Simon Cowell will not be taking part due to X Factor and American Idol commitments.

Sky One programme director Richard Woolfe said: “Pop Idol is a great brand and when it’s clear what programme is available, we’ll look at it.�

ITV director of entertainment Paul Jackson added: “We have made it clear that we want to be included in the pitch round for Idol and we have been told we will be.�