A lovely lad, former-X factor finalist Gates is currently appearing in the 25th anniversary world tour of Les Miserables. After coming second to Will Young, Gates took advantage of his place in the public heart as a cute stammerer and rushed out few obvious covers versions (Unchained Melody, the Long and Winding Road). Further releases sold increasingly badly until he was dropped by his label in 2006. Since then, Gates has overcome his trademark stutter and become a speech coach. After a non-showbiz wedding, he and his wife became parents in April 2009.