Gareth Gates marries long-term partner

Gareth Gates has tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend Suzanne Mole in a secret ceremony.

The couple, who have been dating for five years, exchanged vows yesterday at an unknown location. They had become engaged last New Year's Eve after Gareth decided to pop the question.

A spokesman for Gates told the Daily Star: "I can confirm Gareth got married yesterday but cannot give you any more details."

Announcing his engagement on his website in January, Gareth said: "I have some really exciting news I want to share with you... After a great Christmas I proposed to Suzanne on New Year's Eve, and she said yes! We are both extremely happy and look forward to planning our wedding and life together."

Gates became a household name in 2002 when he competed on Pop Idol. He eventually finished in second place and released two albums before being dropped by Sony BMG in 2006. His most recent disc, Pictures of the Other Side, only made it to number 23 on the UK album chart.