Gareth's Manifesto

• I pledge not to throw celebrity strops or become a high-maintenance pop star.
• I pledge to retain the 2-2-1 formation (hairstyle) for as long as possible.
• I pledge not to give photo shoots in posh mansions claiming they are my home.
• I pledge to work hard and give my fans everything they deserve.
• I pledge not to become a celebrity bighead and vow to keep my feet firmly on the ground.
• I pledge not to accept lavish gifts from other celebrities in a bid for publicity.

What would you like most about being a pop idol?
I'd like to help others, really. I'd give money away to charity to feed the starving.
Have you got a partner?
No. I've always had loads of friends who are girls but not the girlfriend.
Describe your ideal partner
It would have to be Britney Spears - she's hot! I definitely prefer blondes.
Tell us a secret about yourself:
I don't have any secrets, to be honest.
Have you ever met anyone famous:
I met Claire and H from Steps when I went on the TV programme Steps To The Stars in February.
Which three words best describe you:
I'll say, determined, hard working and friendly.
Name three of your likes:
Singing, playing the guitar and piano.
Name three of your dislikes:
Show offs, selfish people and people with huge heads!

-Finding Out He Was In The Final 10
Gareth's a winner...
"I'm overwhelmed," he said. "It hasn't really sunk in yet. When I found out I had 62% of the vote, I was like "what?". I'm so chuffed, I really am. I am going to go home now and have a big party. The important thing now, is for me to keep my feet on the ground and not let all this go to my head."
In second place, Zoe Birkett said: "I'm really shaking, I just want to hug my mum. Somebody has just told me
she's in floods of tears - we're both very emotional. I want to thank everybody who voted for me. Everyone in tonight's show was so brilliant, I can't believe I got through, I never imagined I would. Gareth and I are going to keep in touch now because we're going to be working together in the future."
Zoe was desperate to wear her lucky white suit on Saturday's show, but all week producers told her it was too bright. She even considered dying it for the cameras, but eventually, she was told she could wear it.

-On Pop Idol and life
What sort of reaction did you get after you won the last round?
Most places I go now I get recognised. So if I'm in a rush, I have to go into town wearing a hat and scarf so nobody spots me! I was also asked to switch on the Christmas lights in Wakefield and Bradford. It was amazing. I came on stage in Bradford and there were 10,000 people screaming. They were all chanting, 'GAR-ETH! GAR-ETH!' I went into a building afterwards and when I came out, an hour later, people were still screaming my name! It's what I've always dreamed of.

Your worst Pop Idol moment?
Waiting for the results. I never get nervous when I'm performing, but if I'm in any kind of competition, I get really nervous waiting to find out how I've done. I've always been like that.

Which contestants have you stayed friends with?
I've kept in touch with Zoe and Layla, the girl who was thrown out of the contest because she was too young. I think she always knew she was taking a risk.

Which contestant do you fancy the most?
I can't really say, to be honest. I do fancy Britney Spears though!

Which of the judges would you most want to throw a custard pie at?
None of them - they've all been really good to me so far!

Describe your perfect weekend:
I'd be working in a recording studio in some exotic place like the Bahamas, playing all my own ins
 
Have you ever had a disastrous date?
I haven't really been on a date before. But I suppose my ideal date would be Cat Deeley.

What book are you reading?
White Teeth by Zadie Smith - it's great.

What's your favourite TV show?
SM:tv Live. I'll still keep watching it even though Ant and Dec have left. I think Cat Deeley's really good - and she's hot!

Describe the best day of your life:
Winning my heat on Pop Idol and realising that I was another step closer to fulfilling my dream.

The worst day of your life?
I'm still waiting for that to happen.