A BRADFORD popstar broke down in tears on primetime TV as he recalled his experiences of being bullied while at school.

West Bowling star Gareth Gates is currently featuring as one of the contestants on Channel 4 show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The Pop Idol runner-up has lived with a stammer since he was a child.

Throughout the series, Gates has been one of the frontrunners in a bid to pass the selection process.

However, it all got a bit too much for the 39-year-old when he was called into the interrogation room.

Crying as he recounted the verbal and physical abuse he suffered at school, Gates said: "Growing up was hard in school having a stammer."

Tearing up, he said: "I said I wouldn't do this." 

He told of how he was held down and his bullies would say things like 'let's beat the words out of him'. 

Gates said: "I am here to show myself that I am stronger and hopefully this time I won't break. That's why I am here."

He added: "The last thing I want to do is give up."

Episode five of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins airs on Channel 4 this Sunday (9pm).