Gareth Gates faces stutter fear on live TV: ‘This is really hard for me’

Singer previously said he was doing the interview despite ‘sleepless nights’ because he refuses ‘to let fear control my life’.

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Gareth Gates

Gareth Gates has faced his fear of stuttering on live TV appearing on BBC Breakfast to talk about his new role starring as Squidward in the UK’s tour of The SpongeBob Musical.

The Bradford-born singer, who found fame on TV talent show Pop Idol, previously said thinking about the interview had given him “sleepless nights” and had filled him with anxiety.

Gates, who appeared to struggle with his stutter during the interview on Tuesday morning, said pushing himself out of his comfort zone is the only way to “overcome that fear”.

The 38-year-old said: “I’ve always found it hard to speak and you can’t really overcome that fear unless you force yourself into situations, this is really, really hard for me, until you face it head on.

“So thank you for having me on the show.”