Pop Idol Gareth Gates is set to put on a free performance for the Sultan of Brunei.

He is apparently on good terms with the country's royal family after meeting them whilst promoting his material there. The gig will be a favour to the family on New Year's Eve.

The Sultan seems to be something of a pop fan. He has paid £1m to hear performances by Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson among others.

The gig will be a fitting way for Gates to end his year, after it has brought him success abroad although not in Britain. He has spent a lot of time this year touring Indonesia and China where he has enjoyed massive sales.

A source told the Daily Star: "While he has been out of the limelight Gareth's speech has improved and now is a make or break time for his career."