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Gareth Gates fast became a household name after his Pop Idol success.

The star appeared on the hit show back in 2002 and battled it out against vocal rival Will Young, who eventually went on to win the show.

Bradford-born Gareth was just 16 at the time, and he quickly became a popular participant as he fought through his stammer to show off his musical talent.

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Gareth’s debut single post-show, Unchained Melody, was quick to rise up through the charts, and it shot to number one and went double-platinum.

The star also had success with his next two singles, and Smash Hits declared October 7 as International Gareth Gates Day.

But where is the star now? Let’s take a look…

Where is Gareth Gates now?

It was revealed way back when that Gareth had lost his virginity to Katie Price, and he was spotted sneaking out of her hotel room.

Gareth, 36, admitted he decided to quit life in the limelight after this, and he admitted to new magazine: “It wasn't too long after that I decided to take a break from the industry.

"It wasn't the reason I wanted to be a pop star. There are stars out there who are out there for the wrong reasons. I wanted to be recognised for my talent."

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Gareth was 17 years old when he slept with Katie, who was pregnant at the time.

"I denied the whole Jordan thing because I was 17, I didn't want my family to find out about my sex life," he revealed.

Now, the Spirit In The Sky singer is 36 years old and leads a different life to his old one in the limelight.

Faye Brookes

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Gareth went on to perform in the likes of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Les Mis, Legally Blonde and Boogie Nights.

And he formed a super group for ITV documentary The Big Reunion, consisting of Dane Bowers, Adam Rickitt, Blazin' Squad star Kenzie and singer Kavana.

Gareth married actress Suzanne Mole in 2008 but the pair later split in 2012, with Gareth saying at the time that they’d “grown apart.”

Gareth told The Mirror: “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."

Gareth is a doting dad to his little girl Missy, who is his only child, and he shares rare peeks at his little girl.

In one of the more recent snaps, Gareth and Missy posed while on holiday and he penned: “I rarely share pictures of my daughter. I never like exposing too much of her, I think it should be her choice when she’s a little older. BUT – I had to share this.

“I can’t believe how beautiful she is. I love you Missy moo. You’re my world.”

Gareth went on to date Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes, who is currently taking part in Dancing On Ice, and they were together for almost seven years before calling off their engagement in 2019.

Katie Price's relationships: Here's who the star has dated as she shares loved-up selfie with new boyfriend

Now, Gareth is dating DJ Chloe Mclennan, 30, who he lives with and in a recent snap they posed alongside each other looking smart.

Gareth has also thrown himself into the gym and has got himself an impressive body thanks to his dedication.

"It’s taken me six years to get this body. I got into the gym when I was 30 and stopped partying," he told The Sun.

“But in the last couple of years I’ve started to take my fitness really seriously.

“I would rather look good – and more importantly feel good – and be up for the gym than waste the day hungover.”

The dad-of-one also underwent a hair transplant after wanting to “look his best.”

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He explained at the time: “I'm constantly on stage so image is a big, big thing for me and I have to look my best.

“I'm nervous but I'm really, really excited as well. I can't wait to get it done and lose all that self-consciousness about my hair thinning."

Gareth can be found posting to his 63,000 Instagram followers where he shares stylish outfit photos and has recently returned from a trip to Dubai.

Gareth still dabbles in music and shares videos of himself singing and playing the piano, which his fans love.

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