The rivalry between the first season Pop Idol finalists is set to revive as Will Young and Gareth Gates reunite on stage, this time in the world of pantomime. The two, who competed in the inaugural season of the ITV singing competition back in 2001-2, will both star in different pantomimes in the West Country this Christmas.
Will Young has been confirmed to appear in the Bristol Hippodrome’s 2025 production of Jack and the Beanstalk, running from December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Meanwhile, Gareth Gates will be starring in The Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare’s adaptation of Cinderella, running from December 6 to December 31.
The rivalry has spilled over onto social media, with playful banter between the two theatres escalating in the comments section, as they exchange witty song references and jibes. The lighthearted showdown seems reminiscent of their past competition on Pop Idol.
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Amidst the banter, Gates expressed his anticipation for the upcoming event with a simple message: “Can’t wait.”