Group seeks Gareth to be a role model

And now the Pop Idol wannabe is being sought by the British Stammering Association to pose on the front of their quarterly publication Speaking Out.

BSA spokesman Melvin Hunter said the 17-year-old was an excellent role model for youngsters who suffer from speech impediments.

Gareth has wowed the nation with his innocent charm and boy-band good looks, and has gained an army of fans by overcoming a stammer to perform in front of Pop Idol judges, including the intimidating Simon "Nasty" Cowell.

The East Bowling teenager will sing two of his favourite No 1 singles on telly's Pop Idol show this Saturday - although the songs are being kept under-wraps at the moment.

But the BSA hope they can contact the shy star and ask him how his has coped with his stammer.

Mr Hunter said: "Not only did Gareth come to our attention through the programme, but since then we have perceived him to be a very positive role-model for his age group.

"From the hits we've had on our own website about Gareth, his support comes from the teenage market. Teenagers who have a stammer are one of the hardest groups for us to reach as they're often embarrassed to admit they have a problem.

"We've contacted the show's organisers but they seem worried about giving too much publicity to just one contestant."

Gareth is still locked away in a plush London hotel along with the three other finalists - Will Young, Zoe Birkett and Darius Danesh.

None of the competitors are allowed out of the hotel unless they are chaperoned by a producer from the show.

But earlier this week Gareth got a taste of the attention he could expect if he wins when he was presented to the national media at his first official press conference. As flash bulbs popped the once shy teenager dressed up as his hero, pop singer Robbie Williams. Wearing a white vest and with the singer's trademark tattoos on his arms, Gareth looked every inch the genuine article.

The BSA's number is 0845 6032001, charged at the local rate.