A BRADFORD popstar will be put through his paces in the jungle this evening on a primetime television show.

Gareth Gates, who found fame in the early noughties after finishing runner-up on Pop Idol, is one of 16 contestants on the latest series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The West Bowling lad stars alongside other famous faces, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Melinda Messenger and James Argent out in Thung Ui, North Vietnam.

Gates is recruit number seven and says he formed a "connection" with controversial MP Hancock.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gates features alongside the likes of Matt Hancock, Melinda Messenger and James ArgentGates features alongside the likes of Matt Hancock, Melinda Messenger and James Argent (Image: Channel 4)When speaking about how his speech impediment affected the show, the singer-songwriter mentioned the recruits' love of Charades.

"I excel at Charades," Gates said.

"We were all playing and there was actually a moment when it was Matt Hancock’s turn and he did a book.

"I say, 'Oh, the Bible'. It was the answer!

"From then, we had a bit of a connection and we just laughed our way through that. That was a nice moment."

Gates has been praised throughout his career for shining a light on his stammer and helping others overcome the challenges the condition brings.

He said: "I was really scared about my speech with new people and certainly under very hostile environments.

"I literally thought there was absolutely no chance I'd be able to answer their questions (during the interrogation phase of the program).

"The chat that you have with the DS in the mirror room, I absolutely knew that would be extremely hard for me speech-wise. That was my main fear."

Gates added: "There were times that my speech was at its worst when either before a task or after a task where they'd be in your face even asking me questions or really drilling you.

"That actually really got to me and my speech was at its worst then.

"Obviously, the lack of sleep and food and being tired in every way definitely didn't help my speech, but them screaming in your face definitely doesn't help that."

Overall, the 39-year-old did enjoy his experience labelling it "life-changing and very humbling".

Across the several challenges in each episode, viewers will see Gates fight former Love Island Teddy Soares, abseil through a cave, and "feel like James Bond" when shooting.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns to Channel 4 on tonight at 9:30pm. The show will then continue every Sunday at 9pm from October 1. 

The programme will also be available to stream on All 4.