Gareth sparks pop stampede for Unchained Melody

Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates sparked a sales stampede in the UK today as his debut single hit shops - prompting predictions of a record breaker to rival Will Young.

Queues formed outside shops around the UK this morning as fans wanted to be first to get their hands on a copy of his Unchained Melody.

Massive interest in the track means Gates is almost guaranteed a number one and he could well notch up a record for the highest one day sales in Britain.

In his home town of Bradford the HMV branch was opened early to cope with eager fans who had formed a queue by 6am. Within minutes of the doors opening at 8am, 250 had bought copies of the timeless classic.

HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: ‘‘This is going to be bigger than Will Young we could be looking at a Candle In The Wind effect today.’’

Chart-topper and fellow Pop Idol finalist Young shifted 385,000 copies of his single with first day sales. The one day sales record is held by Sir Elton John’s Diana, Princess of Wales tribute Candle In The Wind ’97 with 658,000.

Castaldo added: ‘‘This is going to be huge. Gareth could well exceed Will’s first week sales of 1.1 million, a record for a debut single. Our stores around the country have reported queues.’’

Gates won the hearts of the nation during ITV1’s Pop Idol talent search, as he overcame his lifelong stammer to sing like an angel.

He narrowly missed out on the glory of winning the contest in a national phone poll, but landed a record deal anyway. He has also been signed to lucrative sponsorship deal with Pepsi and Wella hair products.

His track Unchained Melody already holds a record as the only song to be taken to number one by three different artists. It has topped the charts for Sir Jimmy Young, The Righteous Brothers and Robson And Jerome.

If he takes the number one, he will depose Pop Idol winner Young who has enjoyed three weeks at the top with Evergreen/Anything Is Possible.