Television star Simon Rouse has backed Gareth Gates to take hit show Pop Idol by storm.

The Bradford-born actor, who plays Detective Chief Inspector Jack Meadows in The Bill, said the 17-year-old was "a natural".

Gareth is down to the last three in the competition, which is due to a reach a tense climax on February 9.

But before that he has to face his two rivals - Will Young, 23, and Darius Danesh, 21 - this Saturday.

Mr Rouse, who lives in London with his family, said his wife Annie and daughter Leah were also big fans.

He said Annie and Leah would be in the audience this weekend, rooting for Gareth.

"I think Gareth is very good and he seems to be quite a natural in front of the cameras," said the 50-year-old actor. "I was sent tickets for this Saturday's Pop Idol show and my wife and daughter almost snatched them off me!

"Will's a good singer but he's not my cup of tea and Darius is too full of himself. Gareth just seems to be himself and doesn't appear to have nasty sides."

As Gareth climbs the musical scales on Saturday, Mr Rouse will be scaling Africa's highest mountain as part of a charity fundraising climb in Tanzania.

He will be among a party of fours stars from The Bill and four stars from Coronation Street who will set off this Friday for the slopes of the 19,340ft-high Mount Kilimanjaro.

The actors aim to raise funds for the Bobby Moore Cancer Foundation for Imperial Cancer Research.

In May 1999 the intrepid actor completed a 75-mile walk along the Dalesway to Bowness in the Lake District.

Mr Rouse said: "I'm a bit nervous now the climb is approaching because I wonder if I'm going to be fit enough.

"I've worked almost non-stop on The Bill since Christmas so I'm knackered.

"There are a couple of Olympic rowers coming on the trip as well so I might hitch a piggyback if I start to lag behind!"

The Telegraph & Argus will print the actor's diary account of his charity climb of a lifetime after he returns to England.