Gareth Gates has candidly reflected on the moment Katie Price sold the story of him losing his virginity to her at the tender age of 17, while she was six months pregnant with her eldest son Harvey. The former Pop Idol star, now 41, described the experience as overwhelming for a teenager thrust into the spotlight.
A Shocking Revelation for a Young Star
Gareth and Katie embarked on a brief fling in 2002, shortly after Gareth found fame on the hit TV show Pop Idol. At the time, Katie, now 47, was pregnant with Harvey, who is now 23 years old. Gareth admitted that the publication of intimate details about their liaison in the tabloids was "a lot for a kid who wasn't even an adult yet to take."
Recalling his initial reaction, Gareth told New magazine, "I was shocked and, at the time, I actually didn't believe that it was from her. I thought the press had made it up. But then it turned out it actually was her who sold the story."
Learning to Accept Katie's Nature
More than two decades later, Gareth has come to terms with the incident, acknowledging Katie's career built on discussing relationships. With a shrug, he stated, "That's just Katie. She's made a career out of talking about relationships. Once you accept that, it is what it is."
He emphasised his personal boundaries, saying, "I would never talk about intimate details that two people have had together. Out of respect for them, and out of respect for myself. That's just not something I do."
Concerns Over Family and Privacy
Gareth also revealed a relatable worry about his parents reading the explicit details in the papers. "I didn't want my parents reading every intimate detail about my life in the papers. They didn't need to see that, nobody does," he shared. He added that his stammer made him particularly averse to seeking publicity.
Initially, Gareth denied the relationship to protect his career and family. On The Big Reunion in 2014, he explained, "I denied the whole Jordan thing because I was 17, I didn't want my family to find out about my sex life." He later admitted that lying might have caused more disappointment among fans and loved ones.
Katie's Recent Headlines and Family Tensions
Katie Price has recently made news again for marrying her fourth husband, Dubai-based entrepreneur Lee Andrews, after a whirlwind romance. This has reportedly left her family "blindsided" and concerned, especially given Lee's controversial past, including prison time for suspected fraud.
Her sister Sophie postponed an episode of their podcast, The Katie Price Show, fueling speculation of a family rift. A source revealed, "Katie risks falling out with her family massively over the marriage."
Reflections on the Past
Despite the turmoil, Gareth holds no regrets about the relationship, calling it "an amazing time." Katie herself addressed the romance on a podcast in 2024, laughing off questions about her pregnancy at the time.
This story highlights the enduring impact of early fame and the complex dynamics of celebrity relationships, as Gareth Gates navigates the echoes of a past that continues to resurface in the public eye.
