Gareth fighting fit after health scare

Gareth Gates is back up to full strength and returning to the campaign trail after battling back from ill health.

The 17-year-old singer had to axe a number of appearances after feeling unwell, throwing his future in the contest into doubt.

But he is set to wind up his campaign tonight ready to begin rehearsals for Saturday's ITV1 final, in which he will compete with fellow finalist Will Young for a record deal.

A Pop Idol spokeswoman said: "He is now back in action and feels much better - he didn't want to disappoint his fans or miss out on any of the last-minute campaigning."

It is thought the singer had been laid low with a migraine after a hectic few days of appearances aimed at rallying his support.

Rival Will was coaxed into an impromptu performance by fans as he made an appearance at a west London radio studio, performing Night Fever, one of the tracks he has sung in the closing heats.

"They have been mobbed wherever they have been in the last few days," said the spokeswoman.

Tomorrow they will begin work on their performances for Saturday's climactic final in which millions of votes are expected to be logged by viewers.

Details of a national tour of arenas to be undertaken by the final 10 contestants on Pop Idol have been announced. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for a fortnight of dates which kick off next month.

The tour calls at Wembley Arena in London from March 14 to 17, London's Dockland's Arena (18, 19), Sheffield Arena (21, 22), Birmingham NEC (23, 24), Manchester MEN Arena (25) and Glasgow SECC (26, 27).