Gareth Gates became a household name overnight. When the first series of Pop Idol aired in 2002, it was the first show of its kind and Gareth instantly captured the nation's hearts as the boy who defied his stammer to sing.

Growing up in Bradford Gareth was severely bullied at school for his stammer, so convinced he was defective that he almost didn't audition for Pop Idol at all. 

In our conversation, Gareth opens up about the whirlwind of Pop Idol fame, and how he's spent the years since learning to accept the very thing he once felt ashamed of. 

In this episode, Gareth shares:

• Being bullied at school and how joining a choir became his escape
• Why he almost didn't audition for Pop Idol
• The reality of being thrown into the whirlwind of fame
• How his relationship with Katie Price changed the way he approaches love
• How he's finally learned to accept his stammer as part of who he is

Gareth Gates is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He reminded me that being different isn't something to hide - it's the thing that makes you, you.

Gareth Gates is Great Company. 

Check out Gareth’s tour HERE

Gareth’s Instagram - @gareth_gates

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @greatcompanypodcast 

Jamie - @jamielaing

And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk

THE CREDITS

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Josh Bennett

Senior Social Media Manager: Laura Coughlan

Audio: Rafi Amsili Geovannetti

Executive Producer: Ewan Newbigging-Lister

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot.

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