Pop superstar Gareth Gates is looking to put a bit of fizz back in his life after an exhausting string of photo-shoots and concerts.

The Bradford chart-topper is enjoying a well-earned break after being photographed as the new face of Pepsi in a reported £750,000 deal.

He joins pop diva Britney Spears and Latin songstress Shakira in the Pepsi camp.

Gareth will appear on Pepsi bottles and 12-pack cans of the drink in the summer and will appear in a further campaign at Christmas.

But yesterday proud mum Wendy played down suggestions that Gareth is desperately looking for a date with Britney.

"Gareth is honoured to be on the same advertising campaign as Britney and Shakira," she said. "He does think they're hot, but he is going to let them fight over him!

"He is really enjoying himself but it is all a bit mad for him.

"He sees people like Britney and Shakira and how famous they are and he's just like 'wow' and can't believe he is being linked to them and appearing on the same campaign as them.

"He has never spoken to Britney but he would like to meet her and I'm sure he'll be a nervous wreck when he does!"

The man with the two-two-one haircut has also signed a £1 million hair gel deal with Wella.

Wendy said the East Bowling youngster - who hopes to remain at number one for the fourth week with Unchained Melody - enjoyed the Pespsi shoot and is having a rest after completing the tiring three-week Pop Idol tour with his fellow finalists.

The 17-year-old was planning to return to Bradford soon to visit close family and friends, and was still hoping to perform a concert in the city.

Wendy added: "Gareth really wants to come back and play in Bradford. The people of Bradford have been so behind him throughout."

The Pop Idol, who is looking for a flat in London, is due to release a new single in June or July.