Leon
15-07-2003, 11:02
Pop Idol star Gareth Gates has finally admitted he did have a relationship with busty glamour girl Jordan.The topless model had blabbed about the secret liaisons to tabloid newspapers but Gareth, adored by an army of young fans, repeatedly denied any links with her.Now, the boy who rose to fame on the TV show for wannabe pop stars and whose public image is sugary sweet, has finally come clean about the coupling.
"I have never spoken about my personal relationships with anyone and had no intention of doing so until now," the 18-year-old said.
"At the end of Pop Idol I did have a brief relationship with Jordan."
Gates said that at the time he found Jordan's attentions "flattering".
He told Heat magazine: "I was 17-years-old and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her.
"I was bemused as to why she went to the press with it as I see relationships as private.
"That was the very reason I didn't talk about it. I was embarrassed by what was said and didn't want my family to find out about it in this way.
"They obviously know now as I have been open with them."
Jordan, whose real name is Katie Price, has said that she had a three-month relationship with Gareth.
She also expressed anger that his constant denials were making her look stupid.
Gareth admitted: "I shouldn't have denied it, but I did.
"I was naive. But I have learnt a lot about people from this experience. There is really nothing more I want to add."
Jordan, 25, said the details of their relationship would feature in her autobiography.
"Obviously it (Gareth's admission) is no surprise to me. He has lied to an awful lot of people.
"Nothing has changed and I don't wish to say any more because all the details will be in the book," she said.
"I have never spoken about my personal relationships with anyone and had no intention of doing so until now," the 18-year-old said.
"At the end of Pop Idol I did have a brief relationship with Jordan."
Gates said that at the time he found Jordan's attentions "flattering".
He told Heat magazine: "I was 17-years-old and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her.
"I was bemused as to why she went to the press with it as I see relationships as private.
"That was the very reason I didn't talk about it. I was embarrassed by what was said and didn't want my family to find out about it in this way.
"They obviously know now as I have been open with them."
Jordan, whose real name is Katie Price, has said that she had a three-month relationship with Gareth.
She also expressed anger that his constant denials were making her look stupid.
Gareth admitted: "I shouldn't have denied it, but I did.
"I was naive. But I have learnt a lot about people from this experience. There is really nothing more I want to add."
Jordan, 25, said the details of their relationship would feature in her autobiography.
"Obviously it (Gareth's admission) is no surprise to me. He has lied to an awful lot of people.
"Nothing has changed and I don't wish to say any more because all the details will be in the book," she said.