The singer parted ways with Simon Cowell’s record label Sony BMG last year, before appearing in a documentary for ITV1 called Whatever Happened To Gareth Gates?

Gareth doesn’t regret Jordan romance - April 4 2007
Gareth Gates has spoken out about his brief romance with glamour girl Jordan - saying he doesn’t regret it.

The former Pop Idol star’s squeaky-clean image was dealt a blow when the busty blonde revealed she’d had a three-month affair with him when she was pregnant.

He initially denied it, but came clean when she did a kiss-and-tell.

"I have no idea why she felt compelled to sell her story," he says.

"I haven’t (spoken to her about it), but when I get the opportunity to see her face-to-face, I will."

Gareth has fond memories of their time together.

He says: "She was a very nice girl and we had some nice times. I don’t regret my relationship with Jordan at all - my only regret is the way I handled it."

The singer is now launching a pop comeback. His new single, Changes, is released on April 9 and he also has a new album, Pictures Of The Other Side, on the way.

Gareth’s back with Changes - Feb 22 2007
Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates is back - with a brand new single and album due to hit the shops in the coming months.

The spiky-haired singer performed a showcase of his new material at London’s Pigalle Club last night, to an audience of journalists and music industry bigwigs.

It’s one of the first times the 22-year-old has performed since he was dumped by his record label BMG when his Pop Idol success tailed off - he’s one of the better known talent show casualties.

But with a new look and having conquered his famous stutter, Gareth’s feeling positive about having another crack at the charts.

"My expectations are realistic," said the singer, whose new album is called Pictures Of The Other Side.

"I know some people might just hear my name and throw my CD out of the nearest window, but I also know that this is a strong album I’m completely proud of.

"I am anticipating a lot of preconceptions about me from the public, and I just hope this album manages to establish me as a more credible artist in people’s minds, not just someone who was a five minute wonder."

As Gareth, whose single Changes hit the shops on April 9, prepares for his comeback bid, we take a look at some other reality show singers and the new brand of fame created by talent shows.

Gareth: I’m broke and don’t see Simon - Dec 24 2006
As Leona Lewis settles into her new role as X Factor champion, former talent contest star Gareth Gates has warned of the pitfalls of fame.

Gareth, now 21, shot to fame on Pop Idol with Simon Cowell when he was just 17.

Although he lost out to the top prize to Will Young, handsome Gareth was the singer many expected to succeed.

Four years on, he has told an ITV documentary: "I don’t see Simon any more," and admitted he’s resorted to singing at family weddings.

"I didn’t make as much money as people thought," he said. "I still need to work."

The singer said his fame even led him to be attacked my thugs: "I’ve had a couple of negative experiences in the past. I’ve never told anyone, not even my family."

He added: "I told them I didn’t want to fight, but I was punched in the face and they all began kicking me when I fell to the ground. It went on for about a minute.