Despite their competition during Pop Idol, the show’s runner-up Gareth Gates is a big fan of the winner Will Young. Asked who his pop idol is, Gareth said, “Will Young, of course. I love him. It’s the way he does his own thing and the fact that he has such a unique voice. He’s an inspiration to me.”

When questioned if he was lying through his teeth, Gareth insisted he wasn’t. “Will and I are great mates. I love him genuinely and generously. We went out to a party together last night actually.”

“I’m very proud of him, he has really shone this last year, and his music is fantastic.”