Bradford pop sensation Gareth Gates has started 2002 by tackling his speech problem head on.

The 17-year-old Pop Idol finalist has been asking strangers for directions on the streets of London as part of a programme of exercises to overcome his stammer.

The singer, from East Bowling, was advised to take the direct approach by one of his therapists in a bid to boost his confidence ahead of tonight's live TV show.

Joint favourite to win the competition - and land a potentially lucrative record deal - he suffered a speech setback while talking to presenters Ant and Dec a few weeks ago.

"I'm working hard on my speech now - it is possible to overcome a stammer and I want to show people that. I've had lots of letters from people with speech problems who have told me I have inspired them."

'Songs from movies' is the theme behind tonight's edition of Pop Idol at 6.20pm on ITV1.