GARETH GATES: I Was Beaten Up For My Stutter. Pop Idol Saved Me.

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 escapeWhy he almost didn't audition for Pop IdolThe reality of being thrown into the whirlwind of fameHow his relationship with Katie Price changed the way he approaches loveHow he's finally learned to accept his stammer as part of who he isGareth 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_gatesIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast Jamie - @jamielaingAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.ukTHE CREDITSProducer: Helen Burke Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsVideo: Josh BennettSenior Social Media Manager: Laura CoughlanAudio: Rafi Amsili GeovannettiExecutive Producer: Ewan Newbigging-ListerGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.