Record label drops Gareth Gates

Gareth Gates is looking for a new record deal after being dumped by Sony BMG.

The former Pop Idol star was dropped by the label yesterday.

He has been busy working on a third album but music chiefs were unimpressed.

Gareth’s management company 19 insisted his career is not over.

“We can confirm that, sadly, Sony BMG have decided not to renew Gareth Gates’ record deal,” a spokeswoman said.

“19 Entertainment, however, will continue to work closely with Gareth and support him on what we believe to be an exciting future and we look forward to revealing further plans for him soon.”

The 21-year-old from Bradford found fame four years ago in TV talent show Pop Idol.

He was tipped to win but was beaten by Will Young, who has gone on to have a successful pop career.

Gareth had four number ones and became a teen pin-up.

But his second album flopped and he last hit the charts in 2003.

His squeaky-clean image was dealt a fatal blow when it emerged he had an affair with glamour girl Jordan.