Gareth: I did have affair with Jordan

Pop Idol star Gareth Gates has admitted that he did have a relationship with busty glamour girl Jordan, it emerged today.

The stuttering singing sensation had previously denied a liaison with the topless model, despite her own confessions to tabloid newspapers.

But Gates has finally come clean about the coupling in an interview in the latest edition of Heat magazine out today.

“I have never spoken about my personal relationships with anyone and had no intention of doing so until now.

“At the end of Pop Idol I did have a brief relationship with Jordan,” the 18-year-old said.

Gates said that at the time he found Jordan’s attentions “flattering”.

“I was 17 years old and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her.

“I was bemused as to why she went to the press with it as I see relationships as private.

“That was the very reason I didn’t talk about it. I was embarrassed by what was said and didn’t want my family to find out about it in this way.

“They obviously know now as I have been open with them.”

Jordan, whose real name is Katie Price, has said that she had a three-month relationship with Gareth.

She also expressed anger that his constant denials were making her look stupid.

Gareth admitted: “I shouldn’t have denied it, but I did.

“I was naive. But I have learnt a lot about people from this experience. There is really nothing more I want to add.”

Jordan, 25, said the details of their relationship would feature in her autobiography.

“Obviously it (Gareth’s admission) is no surprise to me. He has lied to an awful lot of people.

“Nothing has changed and I don’t wish to say any more because all the details will be in the book,” she said.