Gareth Gates Recalls Shock Over Katie Price Relationship Revelations
Former Pop Idol star Gareth Gates has spoken candidly about the moment he discovered that glamour model Katie Price had sold intimate details of their brief early-2000s relationship to the press. Now aged 41, Gates reflects on the incident with a more philosophical perspective, acknowledging that Price has built a career around discussing her personal life publicly.
The Shocking Revelation That Shaped His Approach to Fame
Gates was just 17 years old when Price, who was six months pregnant at the time, chose to reveal details about their four-month liaison to newspapers. "I was shocked and, at the time, I actually didn't believe that it was from her," he recalls. "I thought the press had made it up. But then it turned out it actually was her who sold the story – that was a lot for a kid who wasn't even an adult yet to take."
The experience profoundly influenced his attitude towards fame and privacy. "I didn't want my parents reading every intimate detail about my life in the papers," he explains. "They didn't need to see that, nobody does. I'm not the sort of person who seeks publicity, especially because of my stammer." Gates emphasises that he would never discuss private relationship details out of respect for both parties involved.
Looking Forward with Boyband In The Buff
More than two decades later, Gates is focusing firmly on the future with his latest project – the touring show Boyband In The Buff. Described as "the singing version of Magic Mike," the production features Gates alongside four talented performers from West End shows. The show promises cheeky entertainment with a shower scene in act one where the cast will appear in swimwear, though Gates assures audiences they "definitely won't go full frontal naked."
The production requires significant physical preparation, with Gates training daily since winning Celebrity SAS in 2023. "I'm 41 now, and I think I'm in the best shape I've ever been," he says, contrasting his current physique with his teenage self during Pop Idol. "When I did Pop Idol, I was 17 and had no chest, no arms – nothing. I hated my body. That's why I committed to the gym."
Reflections on Fame and Personal Growth
Gates offers thoughtful advice to emerging artists, particularly Simon Cowell's new boyband December 10th, whose cover of Bye Bye Bye has gained significant attention. "Enjoy it while you can, because at the top of the charts, it all happens very fast," he suggests. "Take time to stop and reflect. And if you have the right people around, you can handle anything."
He credits Cowell with championing him from the beginning of his career, recalling that after his first Pop Idol audition, Cowell declared: "That's our guy – we've found our Pop Idol." Gates acknowledges the music mogul as "a great mentor" to whom he owes much of his success.
Personally, Gates has found stability with his partner of three years, West End actress Allana Taylor, who even helped name his new show. He reflects candidly on his personal growth since his four-year marriage to Suzanne Mole, admitting "I wasn't the best boyfriend or husband when I was younger." Now, he values "loyalty, kindness, respect" above all else in relationships.
While he hasn't ruled out marriage or expanding his family – he already has a 16-year-old daughter, Missy – Gates is currently focused on his career and ensuring he doesn't miss important family moments due to touring commitments. His journey from shocked teenager to confident performer demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of early fame challenges.
