Singing sensation Gareth Gates is a real 'pop' idol after being signed up as the new face of Pepsi.

The 17-year-old follows in the footsteps of superstars such as Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and David Beckham, who have all advertised the fizzy drink.

And with David Beckham set to appear on Coca-Cola bottles, Pop Idol runner-up Gareth is set to go head-to-head with the nation's footballing skipper in the fiercely competitive cola wars.

Gareth said today: "Robbie Williams is one of my ultimate pop icons. I remember seeing his Pepsi advert on TV.

"Now it's me being signed and I can't believe it!"

And Pepsi was today singing Gareth's praises.

Andrew Marsden, Pepsi's category director, said: "The nation has taken Gareth to their hearts. We are delighted to be working with such a hot property."

Gareth's mum Wendy, of East Bowling, said: "The photo-shoots are going to start fairly soon and as far as we know he's going to appear on their cans and bottles.

"It's absolutely wonderful news. Pepsi's sold all over the world. When we were told they wanted him we couldn't believe it at first.

"Firms like Pepsi normally only go for the established stars. Gareth's only just coming though into the business so for him to be signed up by Pepsi straight away is an absolute honour and a huge thrill for him.

"They first showed an interest a few weeks ago and said they didn't mind if he got knocked out, won Pop Idol or was runner-up.

"Will may have won it but Gareth's a young rising star. I guess they just liked the look of him and thought he'd be perfect for their ads.''

Wendy, husband Paul and their daughters Nicola, Charlotte and Jessica are preparing to travel to London for the opening night of the Pop Idol tour - featuring the TV talent show's final ten contestants - on Thursday.

Wendy said: "Gareth's busy rehearsing for the tour at the moment and can't wait for it to start.

"It's a 22-date tour including Wembley, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

"I'm hoping to follow it round the country and be a bit of a groupie.''

She said the family was still coming to terms with the fact that Gareth could be on the verge of having a number one single.

His debut release, Unchained Melody, is due in the shops on March 18 and experts are predicting it will go straight to number one in the charts.

"Gareth just can't wait for it to be released.

"He's hoping it'll go in at number one and I'm quietly confident it will. If it does, he'll be absolutely elated.

"He's keeping his feet firmly on the ground, but I think it'll be pretty life-changing for us all.''