Bradford pop star Gareth Gates has revealed he is to marry his long-term girlfriend.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in East Bowling, popped the question to dancer Suzanne Mole on New Year's Eve.

Gareth, who has been dating Suzanne, 32, for five years, said: "After a great Christmas, I proposed to Suzanne on New Year's Eve and she said yes.

"We are both extremely happy and look forward to planning our wedding and life together."

The announcement completed a great year for the singer who made a return to the city in June to plug his third album, Pictures Of The Other Side, which brought to an end a three-year musical void. Hundreds of die-hard fans queued for hours in the rain to meet their idol at the HMV store in Broadway.

Gareth met Suzanne, who hails from Newcastle, at the Record of the Year awards in 2002, and they live together in London. Gareth denied newspaper rumours in 2004 which suggested he was to marry Suzanne later that year. His speech therapist was said to have been chosen as his best man.

When asked about marriage in April last year, Gareth said: "The way I have been brought up, that's what it's about for me.

"It doesn't suit everybody, but for me life is about marriage, lots of children, a massive house. If that's what my life is like, I will be happy."

Gareth's musical development began as a choirboy at Bradford Cathedral where, aged 11, he was head chorister.

He sang solo for the Queen when she visited in the city in 1997, five years before taking the stage on Pop Idol.

With a Grade VIII in piano, classical guitar and singing, and a place at the Royal Northern College of Music under his belt, he battled his stammer to finish a close runner-up to Will Young.

His debut single, a cover of Unchained Melody, went into the UK charts at number one. At the height of his popularity Gareth returned to Bradford to switch on the Christmas lights four years in a row.

But his private life hit the headlines when glamour girl Jordan revealed they had a three-month affair. And he was dropped by his record label in 2004 after sales of his second album struggled.

But Gareth bounced back and can now boast a career which includes four number one hits and record sales totalling 3.5 million worldwide.

He has retained his links with Bradford as a member of the congregation at the Abundant Life Centre and a fan of the Bradford Bulls. Gareth is now tipped to appear on the forthcoming series of ITV's Dancing On Ice.

e-mail: ben.barnett@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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