Members of the Bradford Cathedral Choir today sang the praises of their former head choir boy - Pop Idol hopeful Gareth Gates.

And popular TV presenters Richard and Judy have also given the Bradford lad their backing.

The Bradford teenager, who has been in the Cathedral choir for nine years, has been catapulted into the spotlight, thanks to his success on the hit ITV1 show.

But his success has come as no surprise to those who sang alongside him in the choir. Choirmaster and organist Alan Horsey said Gareth, 17, had become a star of the choir, carrying off stunning solo performances since the age of ten.

"He went through the choir and became head choir boy by the age of 12," said Mr Horsey. "He was younger than most people by the time they reach that stage. Since he was very young, I have always felt that he had a lot of natural musical ability - that was plain to anyone who saw him perform. I think he has had tremendous support from his school, and there is clearly still plenty of musical potential in him yet."

Mr Horsey said he was not surprised that Gareth has blown away the competition in Pop Idol, leaving him clear favourite to take the crown.

"I think the best is yet to come. He is such a good musician that he can sing absolutely everything," he said. "I have heard him perform classical, choral and pop music equally well."

Mr Horsey said everyone at the Cathedral was rooting for Gareth as he prepares for his latest step to superstardom tonight.

"We organise our Saturdays around being able to watch the programme and we are behind him all the way," he said. "Gareth is the first member of the choir to go on to great fame in my time here - but I can't say there have been loads of people ringing up wanting to join us because of his success."

Andrew Nelson, 17, of Shipley, has been in the Cathedral choir since he was 11 and took over as head choir boy from Gareth.

He had never picked Gareth out as a potential pop star, but his performances always shone out. "He always had the voice to lead the choir and he led the treble section really well," said Andrew.

Faye Richards, 13, of Baildon, who is also in the choir, said: "I think he is going to win Pop Idol."

Presenters Richard and Judy today voiced their support for Gareth. The couple, who host a teatime entertainment show on Channel 4, said they had been following Gareth's performances. The couple told the Telegraph & Argus: "Gareth is definitely our favourite and we wish him all the best for tonight's show."

Gareth is continuing to top opinion polls on who will scoop the coveted prize. A poll by GMTV showed he is in front, with 46 per cent backing him.

Darius Danesh has overtaken Will Young as the favourite to join him in next week's final, drawing 27 per cent to Will's 25 per cent of the 24,000 votes.

Darius had been dropped from earlier talent show Popstars and had been dropped from Pop Idol, but was brought back when Rik Waller was forced out through illness.

Pop Idol is on ITV1 tonight at 6.10pm.