Online poll puts Pop Idol rivals neck and neck

A new poll has placed Pop Idol rivals Will Young and Gareth Gates neck and neck ahead of Saturday's final.

Each received 50% of the 9,000-plus votes in the NTL online poll.

Gareth remains the bookies' odds-on favourite to win the public vote.

Online bookmakers Blue Square make Gareth the 2/9 favourite, with Will a 3/1 chance.

Jeremy Davies, NTL Home's director of content, said: "We are amazed at how many people have logged on to register their vote - it seems that the nation cannot make up its mind.

"It just goes to show that the result is far from in the bag - tomorrow's performances will no doubt be the deciding factor."