Gareth Gates has left fans astonished with a touching birthday tribute dedicated to his daughter, Missy, as she celebrated her 17th birthday on Monday evening. The former Pop Idol star beamed with pride in a photograph alongside Missy, whom he shares with his ex-wife Suzanne Mole, accompanying the image with a loving caption that described her as his 'gorgeous princess'.
Fans React with Amazement at the Passage of Time
While many followers lauded the birthday girl with warm wishes, others were quick to point out how remarkably youthful Gareth appears to have a daughter in her late teens. One fan highlighted the striking coincidence that Missy is now the same age as Gareth was when he soared to fame on the ITV talent show Pop Idol back in 2002.
A Father's Heartfelt Message
Gareth added a caption to the photo that read: 'My gorgeous Princess turns 17 today. Watching you grow into the kind hearted, thoughtful, fun and beautiful natured Lady you are today has been my greatest joy... I couldn’t be prouder of the person you’ve become. Daddy loves you so much. I must, however, warn the good British public that Missy moo now has wheels so watch out! Happy Birthday'.
The comments section was soon flooded with reactions from overawed fans. One wrote: 'The age you was on pop idol crazy crazy how fast time goes x'. Others penned sentiments such as: 'Wow, I can’t believe how quickly time flies—it feels like the What My Heart Wants to Say and Go Your Own Way albums were released just yesterday. btw they're still my fave albums...' and 'It seems mad that you’ve got a 17 year old. Where has the time gone. How is possible he has a daughter that old!!! Happy birthday but Gareth, you're not old enough to have a grown up daughter. I suddenly feel my age Flipping Eck, time flies'.
Gareth's Rise to Fame and Personal Life
Gareth Gates was the runner-up to Will Young on the first series of Pop Idol in February 2002, shooting to fame as a fresh-faced teenager. The star split from Missy's mother, Suzanne Mole, in 2012 when Missy was just three years old, after being married for four years. A statement at the time read: 'Despite our efforts over the past three years to make our marriage work, sadly Suzanne and I have decided to separate... Whilst we have grown apart, we love and cherish our wonderful daughter Missy and together we will prioritise her happy upbringing.'
Current Ventures and Touring
Away from his wholesome family posts, Gareth is currently embarking on a unique new venture with the musical roadshow Boyband In The Buff. Billed as a 'celebration of pop, passion, and pecs' with 'tight harmonies and tighter pants', Boyband In The Buff launched a 58-date nationwide tour at the Felixstowe venue. He will tour the country for much of the year, offering a nostalgic celebration of pop classics from the 1990s and 2000s, primarily those made famous by iconic groups like Take That, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Blue.
