Gareth Gates is just happy that he’s helping out others.
Gareth Gates has admitted that his busy schedule has taken its toll on conquering his stammer.
But the former Pop Idol star, who’s on the final Dancing On Ice tour, says he takes even more pleasure from helping others affected than he does from his career.
“I’ve struggled all my life with this stammer,” Gareth told The Sunday Post.
“It’s something I have to keep on top of and I have lots of ups and downs.
“At the minute I’m so busy I don’t have the right mind-set for it. But I know what to do.
“I’m part of a speech therapy initiative called the McGuire Programme, which is a great new way of speaking.
“I try to help as many people as I can and I get so much from that, even if it’s just raising awareness about stammering.”
Gareth’s Greatest Hits album is just out and he’s also been involved with ITV2’s Big Reunion.
He’s part of 5th Story with Dane Bowers, Kenzie, Adam Rickitt and Kavana.
“The show was huge last year, but when I was asked at first I wasn’t keen,” he reveals.
“I didn’t want to be part of the whole band thing and it was a bit weird having to make band versions of our individual hits.
“But the lads are all great fun. We get on well and to be given the opportunity to be a pop star again after so long is a nice feeling.”
Gareth was the final non-champ to be eliminated from the all-star last series of Dancing On Ice. He says the grand finale was a teary affair.
“The atmosphere on that Sunday was electric and it was so emotional afterwards.
“Jayne and Chris were in floods of tears at the wrap party when they did their speeches.”
Gareth’s delighted to have been asked to be part of the tour and he’s already licking his lips at the thought of the Glasgow date.
“I love the city. I go to the Garage and always go to a great Chinese opposite called Canton Express afterwards.”
Gareth’s become a West End star since Pop Idol 12 years ago, but the biggest thrill of all is being dad to four-year-old daughter Missy.
“She is my world now,” he adds. “I live for her.”
The Dancing On Ice tour is in Newcastle on Sunday night and Glasgow from April 11 to 13.
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