A FAMOUS singer and reality TV show star has spoken exclusively to the Gazette ahead of two shows in the county, reminiscing on the "whirlwind" of Pop Idol and more.
Gareth Gates is bringing his Boyband In The Buff nationwide touring show to the Princes Theatre in Clacton on February 15, next year, and Colchester's Charter Hall on March 28.
Gates first rose to fame after finishing as runner-up in the first series of Pop Idol in 2002.
He went on to sell millions of records and performed in West End shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde and Les Misérables.
With his latest project, he's not only the star but the producer behind Boyband In The Buff.
Singer - Gareth Gates (Image: Joe Menghini)
He will perform a range of popular 90s and 2000s pop hits, including songs from Backstreet Boys, NYSNC, Blue and Take That, to name but a few.
Gates said: "I've had an idea for this show for some time, I am a big fan of pop music.
"It's the sort of music I released back in the day, and I grew up in that golden age of pop. Boybands were idolised.
"I desperately wanted to be an extra member of the Backstreet Boys or Westlife and grew up listening to them.
"Coupled with my addiction to the gym these days, I married them together.
Poster - Boyband in The Buff (Image: PR)
"It is myself and four talented boys, all great singers, dancers, singing these incredibly big boyband hits, and we just happen to look good shirtless.
"This show in particular is all done very tastefully, with no cringe moments.
"It's a piece of theatre. We are tapping into that crowd who loved those songs back in the day, and you can enjoy the male form."
Gates, 41, is "really excited" and found producing the tour creatively freeing.
He has been able to pull from his experience over his 23-year career.
Gates is no stranger to Clacton and Colchester, and has visited both over the years.
He said: "I've been to Clacton a few times. My friend doesn't live too far away from there. He's the tour manager on this next tour, so we've had walks on the beach.
"In Colchester, I've done a few things before. I haven't played Charter Hall before so, to get the opportunity to play there is a real thrill.
"With this one we've certainly hit the nail on the head. We're still a few months away but ticket sales are doing well.
"Often for venues it is trying to find the right show for it, we're thrilled we've found one.
"I can't wait to come to that part of the world, the audiences in Essex are really up for it."
Looking back at how his career has flourished since then, he feels "very fortunate".
"I feel very blessed 23 years on I'm still as busy as ever, still doing what I love," he said.
"Some of these TV shows create big names and stars but unfortunately sometimes they fall by the wayside.
"It's testament to how big Pop Idol was.
"It was the first of its kind - it really gripped the nation. It was a new format.
"Pop Idol was the first talent show where the viewers at home could vote, and I think that really changed everything.
"We went in blind and didn't know how big it would become.
"All the shows which followed, such as X-Factor, they saw what happened with me and Will - it was a whirlwind, but 23 years later we are still here."
The singer has also tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about stammers.
He has often spoken candidly about how his stammer has affected him since childhood, and is proud to continue to speak up to help others.
Gates said: "I think it's one of my greatest achievements. When asked what I'm most proud of, it's heightening the awareness of stammering.
"As a kid I didn't know anyone else who had a stammer.
"It was an isolating place, and you longed for people to be like you.
"After hearing stories after Pop Idol, even though I was suffering from a debilitating stammer, I inspired others with a stammer to not hold back and achieve what they want in life
"I do all I can to mention it in interviews as it will encourage people not to give up.
"The more people talk about any form of affliction, if a person in the public eye can shed light on it, it's only going to help."
Ticket prices for the Clacton performance start at £30 and tickets for the Colchester event start at £35.20.