Gareth Gates

Bradford-born Gareth developed a passion for music early on. Before auditioning for Pop Idol he'd already sung a solo for the Queen in his role as head chorister at Bradford Cathedral. His big break came in 2002 when he emerged as runner-up in the hit ITV show, narrowly losing out in the final to Will Young. His talent didn't go unnoticed, however, and judge Simon Cowell immediately offered the young star a record contract. His debut single, a cover version of Unchained Melody, stormed straight to number one in the UK charts - a sign of things to come. Gareth, who is also an accomplished pianist and classical guitar player, has sold over three and a half million records in the UK. And his talents don't just lie in music. In 2004 he added another string to his bow by qualifying as a speech coach after overcoming his severe stammer. A stint as a celebrity contestant on Dancing On Ice followed for the hunky singer, who became engaged to long-term love, dancer Suzanne Mole, on New Year's Day of 2008.