Episode
GARETH GATES: I Was Beaten Up For My Stammer. Pop Idol Saved Me
- Published
- May 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3992
- Processing state
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- https://shows.acast.com/great-company/episodes/gareth-gates-i-was-beaten-up-for-my-stutter-pop-idol-saved-m
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Summary
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 escape Why he almost didn't audition for Pop Idol The reality of being thrown into the whirlwind of fame How his relationship with Katie Price changed the way he approaches love How he's finally learned to accept his stammer as part of who he is Gareth 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_gates If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast TikTok - @greatcompanypodcast Jamie - @jamielaing And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: [email protected] THE CREDITS Producer: Helen Burke Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins Video: Josh Bennett Senior Social Media Manager: Laura Coughlan Audio: Rafi Amsili Geovannetti Executive Producer: Ewan Newbigging-Lister Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.