Gareth To Tie The Knot

Singer Gareth Gates is to marry his long-term girlfriend.

The former Pop Idol star proposed to dancer Suzanne Mole on New Year's Eve.

23-year-old Gareth and his 32-year-old lover have been dating for five years.

He said: "After a great Christmas, I proposed to Suzanne on New Year's Eve and she said yes. We are both extremely happy and look forward to planning our wedding and life together."

The Bradford-born singer is tipped to appear on the forthcoming series of ITV1's Dancing On Ice.

He made a musical comeback last year with album Pictures Of The Other Side.

After shooting to fame in the 2002 series of Pop Idol, when he finished runner-up to Will Young, he went on to bag four number ones and sell 3.5 million records worldwide.

His previous conquests include glamour girl Jordan, who revealed they enjoyed a three-month affair.