Pop Idol favourite misses campaigning due to illness

Pop Idol favourite Gareth Gates has been forced to give campaigning a miss today due to illness.

The 17-year-old is feeling unwell after an endless round of interviews to boost his Pop Idol chances.

A spokeswoman for the show says it is hoped Gareth will be feeling better later today.

She refused to go into details about Gareth's health.

Gareth was due to make an appearance in London's Leicester Square, prior to an interview with Capital FM DJ and Pop Idol judge Dr Fox.

Today is the final day of campaigning, with Gareth and his rival Will Young moving on to rehearsals tomorrow.

Viewers will decide after Saturday's show which of the pair lands the top prize of a potentially lucrative record deal.

Retailer Woolworths today gave its support to the stars by selling chocolate Pop Idol lollipops, with fans able to buy Will or Gareth versions.