UK City of Culture: Gareth Gates says Bradford school singing lessons 'saved my life'

Gareth Gates says school singing lessons in Bradford "saved my life" as he returned to the city for the launch of its year as the UK City of Culture.

Gates grew up in the West Yorkshire city before gaining national stardom as runner-up in the first ever series of TV talent show Pop Idol in 2002.

He won the hearts of millions of viewers who saw him overcome a stammer to perform on stage week after week.

Now aged 40, he said owed a debt of gratitude to "the amazing schools I went to and the great teachers".

Recalling his childhood, Gates said: "I had a terrible stammer not being able to answer the register in school or read aloud in class.

"It was tough. But fortunately, my music teacher recognised I was able to sing. And, you know, that kind of saved my life. I have a lot to owe Bradford."

Gates, who was born in the West Bowling area of Bradford, attended Dixons City Technology College and studied art and music at GCSE level.

He joined Bradford Cathedral choir at the age of nine, becoming head chorister by the age of 11.

The cathedral was one of the locations he visited as he joined ITV News for a tour of significant places from his childhood as Bradford prepared to launch its City of Culture year.

"It looks exactly the same 30 years on, it feels like I'm coming home," he said.

"I used to stand here every week to services every week. We used to practise two times a week as well."

In 1997, Gates performed a solo when the Queen visited for the Maundy Service.

"I was really, really nervous thinking, wow, she's only there," he said.

"It was a big, big thing for Bradford and to be a big part of that was a real honour for me."

After finishing second to Will Young in Pop Idol, Gates went on to sell more than three million records and appeared in a number of television shows as well as starring in musical theatre.

He continues to battle with his stammer, but will return to Bradford later in the year to perform a show of love songs from cinema.

He said: "To be back here where it all started for me, performing, will be a great feeling."

Bradford will host hundreds of events over the course of 2025 as it celebrates

Gates said: "There's lots of different religions and cultures. My dad's half Indian. My mum is British white and so I'm the perfect example of a product from Bradford.

"I finally found my voice through performing so hopefully with this spotlight on Bradford now it will inspire people who face any form of affliction or adversity to not let that stand in their way."

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