Gareth Gates is tonight due to take to the stage for his first major tour as the Pop Idol roadshow gets underway at Wembley Arena.

Gareth's family were today heading down to London to join him for his big night in front of thousands of fans.

Last night the Bradford teen-ager was finalising rehearsals with the other ten Pop Idol contestants who will be featuring on the tour.

And mum Wendy Gates, who headed down to Gareth's London hotel ahead of the rest of the family last night, said she couldn't wait for the show to get started.

"We are really looking forward to it," she said.

"I don't know what I will be feeling when I see him step out on the stage, but I can't wait.

"I am sure that the show will be something else, I have heard it is absolutely amazing."

The sell-out tour will be running for four nights in London before heading to arenas around the country.

"We are planning to follow him at each concert, so myself or his dad should always be in the audience," said Wendy.