Gareth Gates has admitted he did have a relationship with glamour model Jordan.

The Bradford pop idol had previously denied a liaison with the topless model, despite her own confessions to tabloid newspapers.

But in a magazine today, the 18-year-old from East Bowling said: "At the end of Pop Idol I did have a brief relationship with Jordan.

"I was 17 years old and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her.

"I was bemused as to why she went to the press with it as I see relationships as private.

"That was the very reason I didn't talk about it.

"I was embarrassed by what was said and didn't want my family to find out about it in this way.

"They obviously know now as I have been open with them."

Jordan, whose real name is Katie Price, has said that she had a three-month relationship with Gareth. She was furious over his constant denials.

Gareth admitted: "I shouldn't have denied it, but I did. I was naive."

Jordan, 25, said the details of their relationship would feature in her autobiography.