Celeb Dad: Gareth Gates

You’ll remember Gareth Gates as the nervous teenager with a stammer who came second to Will Young in the first ever Pop Idol. Bradford lad Gareth is now 30(!), still singing and also performing musicals in the West End and round the country. He follows TV and radio presenter OJ Borg in answering the Bewildered Dad Celeb Dad questionnaire (snappier title pending).

Dad to?
Missy who is five and she’s already all-singing, all-dancing.

Most embarrassing Dad moment so far?
Often my speech isn’t too great and she’s at the age where she’s starting to notice and she often tells me off for not speaking properly! Even in public when I’m trying to order something from a restaurant, she’ll tell me that I have to think about what I want to say first before I say it!

Best thing about fatherhood?
Many things, but mainly the unconditional love. The thought that I’ve created this being who is now of an age where she has a full-on personality and we have great chats. Her mind is constantly expanding!

What have you had to sacrifice?
I certainly missed out on some sleep at first!

Music that you’re desperate for them to love?
Anything she wants! She said yesterday that she wanted to have a keyboard – she’s already playing the piano! I started singing at eight, playing the guitar at nine and piano at ten so music’s always been my life and I’m very happy that she wants to pursue that musical path too

Best way to avert a tantrum?
I’m fortunate because Missy is very good, it’s rare that she has tantrums, but when she does I just try to be fair. I try and explain why she can’t do certain things rather than just saying “don’t do that”.

Best fatherhood advice you were given?
I was told that you should always bring anything back to them. If they’re upset, explain why what you’re doing is going to benefit them.

Advice that you would pass on to other dads?
I’m not great with advice but I’m going to do what my parents did for me – they noticed at a very young age that I had a raw musical talent and they nurtured that.

One piece of advice to pass on to child?
Just follow what you want to do and I’ll support you all the way.

A full interview I did with Gareth appears in the latest edition of Northern Life magazine and keep checking back here for more Celeb Dads.