Gareth Gates
Gareth Gates
Gareth Paul Gatesis an English singer-songwriter. He was the runner-up in the first series of the ITV talent show Pop Idol. Gates has sold over 3.5 million records in the UK. He is also known for having a stutter, and has talked about his speech impediment publicly. Gates used the McGuire Programme to manage the problem and is now a speech coach with the programme...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPop Singer
Date of Birth12 July 1984
CityBradford, England
fighting thinking hot
Although I fancy Britney, I think Shakira is hot too. Maybe I could let them fight over me. I'm a young lad and I've got to keep my options open.
speech fans thanks
I do find my speech difficult at times, but it's getting so much better as my confidence grows and that's thanks to the position I'm now in, which is totally due to my fans.
numbers years able
Having my first number one single and being able to travel to places I've never been before has been amazing. The tour was also fantastic. There are so many things which I've experienced this year which I never even dreamed of.
great
I live for my daughter. Every decision I make is about her and for her. It's great. She's perfect.
helped programme slow tackling teaches therapy
I'm part of a speech therapy programme called the McGuire Programme. It teaches you a new way to breathe, a new way to speak, a brand new way of tackling the mind-sets that come with having a speech impediment. Mainly, it teaches you how to slow things down, and that has really helped me.
baggage emotional stammer uphill
Living with a stammer is difficult. It's a daily uphill struggle with emotional baggage weighing you down. You can't be the person you want to be.
actual best business found music photo rather shoots
In the music business, I found it was much more about interviews, photo shoots and appearances rather than actual performing, which I do best.
finally freedom liberating speak
Finally having the freedom to speak is a really liberating feeling.
bad centre good
I was always used to being centre stage - something that had its good and bad points.
life stammer
Speech and having a stammer is obviously a big part of my life.
age chose felt whether
At the age of 13, I felt it was up to me to decide whether I wanted to go to church or be with my mates, and I chose to go to church.
bombed love
I really love it in Belfast. I always stay in the most bombed hotel, the Europa!
business continue involved musical release successful
I'm very driven, and I always have been. So I'd like to release a successful album, continue in musical theatre, and be more involved in business.
bit daunting songs
Sharing the stage while singing my songs was a bit of a daunting prospect.