Gareth Gates: "I believed I was defective — my stammer was my superpower" | Yorkshire Talks

In our final episode of Series Three, our Yorkshire Talks guest is former Pop Idol star, producer and performer Gareth Gates.

Bradford lad Gareth was first interviewed by Christine for a YTV talent show for young people nearly 30 years ago — so this episode was a bit of a reunion.

Now all grown up, Gareth joins Matt and Christine to talk openly and honestly about his journey: from being bullied at school and living with a debilitating stammer, to reaching the final of the very first Pop Idol and having his whole life changed overnight.

Gareth explains how taking part in the McGuire Programme has helped him manage his stammer, and how his experiences have shaped the work he does today.

He also chats about his role in Boyband in the Buff, currently touring, his journey into becoming a music producer and entrepreneur, and his exciting new project — Speechless, a musical about stammering, due to hit the stage next year.

Now a dad himself, with a daughter the same age he was when he first found fame, Gareth reflects on the last few decades with warmth, honesty and plenty of Yorkshire humour.

🎙️ It's a fascinating, funny and incredibly inspiring conversation — one you won't want to miss.

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Follow Gareth: 📸 Instagram: @gareth_gates See Gareth on tour: 🎭 Boyband in the Buff is currently on tour. Find tour dates here: [paste official tour dates link] See Gareth in Beauty and the Beast: ✨ Gareth stars as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast at the Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, 8–31 December: britannia-pier.co.uk

Follow the hosts: Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

Yorkshire Talks is presented by Christine Talbot and Matt Jameson, and produced by Simon Fogal at Chapter 81 Studios in Leeds. Proudly sponsored by Patient.info.