Pop Idol UK: The Unforgettable Journeys of 11 Beloved Contestants

It has been over two decades since the cultural phenomenon that was Pop Idol first graced our television screens, forever changing the landscape of reality TV and the music industry. The show, which premiered in 2001, was a ratings juggernaut, captivating millions of viewers who eagerly tuned in each week to witness the birth of a new pop superstar. The format was simple yet revolutionary: a nationwide search for the UK’s next singing sensation, with the winner decided by the public. The journey of the contestants, from nerve-wracking auditions to the nail-biting live finals, became a national obsession.

The show’s inaugural season was a particularly memorable one, introducing a cast of characters who would become household names. From the charming Will Young to the spiky-haired Gareth Gates, each contestant had a unique story and a dedicated fan base. We cheered for their triumphs and commiserated with their defeats, feeling as though we were a part of their incredible journey. But what happened to these beloved contestants after the confetti settled and the cameras stopped rolling? Some went on to achieve global stardom, while others faded from the limelight, choosing a quieter life away from the glitz and glamour of show business. Here, we take a look back at the unforgettable journeys of 11 of Pop Idol‘s most beloved contestants.

Will Young: The Reigning Champion

Will Young, the affable and talented singer from Wokingham, made history as the very first winner of Pop Idol. His victory over the fan-favorite Gareth Gates was a moment of pure television magic, a testament to his undeniable vocal talent and charismatic stage presence. After the show, Young’s career skyrocketed. His winner’s single, a double A-side of “Anything Is Possible” and “Evergreen,” became the fastest-selling debut single in UK chart history, a record it held for over a decade.

But Young was more than just a one-hit wonder. He has since released a string of successful albums, four of which have topped the UK charts. He has also proven his versatility as an artist, carving out a successful career in acting, with roles in film, television, and on the West End stage. His portrayal of the Emcee in a 2012 production of Cabaret earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. Despite his immense success, Young has been open about his struggles with mental health and has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.

Gareth Gates: The Enduring Heartthrob

Gareth Gates, the shy but incredibly talented singer from Bradford, may have been the runner-up, but he won the hearts of millions with his angelic voice and endearing stutter. After Pop Idol, Gates enjoyed a phenomenally successful pop career, with four UK number-one singles, including “Unchained Melody” and “Anyone of Us (Stupid Mistake).” He also collaborated with Will Young on the hit single “The Long and Winding Road.”

Like Young, Gates has also ventured into the world of musical theatre, starring in productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Misérables, and Legally Blonde. He has also been a regular on reality television, appearing on shows like Dancing on Ice and The Big Reunion. In recent years, Gates has become a successful businessman, launching his own line of coconut tea.

Darius Danesh (Campbell): A Tragic Loss

Darius Danesh, the charismatic and confident singer from Glasgow, was one of the most memorable contestants from the first series of Pop Idol. After finishing third in the competition, he went on to have a successful music career, with five top-ten singles, including the number-one hit “Colourblind.” He also released two successful albums and starred in several West End productions, including Chicago and Guys and Dolls.

In a tragic turn of events, Darius was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, in August 2022, at the age of 41. His death was ruled an accident, caused by “inhalation of chloroethane.” The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, with fans and fellow contestants paying tribute to the talented and much-loved star.

Zoe Birkett: From Pop Idol to West End Star

At just 16 years old, Zoe Birkett was one of the youngest contestants in the competition, but she proved she had a voice and a stage presence to rival her older competitors. After finishing fourth on Pop Idol, Birkett released a top-twenty single, “Treat Me Like a Lady,” before being dropped by her record label.

Undeterred, Birkett has gone on to have a successful career in musical theatre, starring in a number of West End productions, including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Thriller – Live, and The Bodyguard, in which she served as Alexandra Burke’s understudy. She has also appeared on reality television, finishing ninth in the 2014 series of Big Brother.

Hayley Evetts: A Journey of Resilience

Hayley Evetts, the bubbly and energetic singer from Birmingham, finished fifth on Pop Idol. After the show, she had a brief stint as a television presenter and a small role in the popular soap opera Coronation Street. She also starred in a production of the musical Grease.

In 2012, Evetts auditioned for The X Factor, but failed to make it past the bootcamp stage. In 2016, she was set to represent Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest, but was forced to withdraw due to a severe knee injury. Despite these setbacks, Evetts has continued to pursue her passion for music and is now part of a touring band called Essential Groove UK.

Jessica Garlick: A Eurovision Success Story

Jessica Garlick, the talented singer from Wales, may have only finished ninth on Pop Idol, but she went on to achieve something that no other contestant from the show has: she represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2002, she performed the song “Come Back” and finished in a very respectable third place, a result that the UK has yet to better.

After her Eurovision success, Garlick released a single and an album, but they failed to make a significant impact on the charts. She has since stepped away from the music industry and is now married with two children.

Rik Waller: A Voice Silenced

Rik Waller, the larger-than-life singer from Kent, was one of the most memorable contestants from the early stages of Pop Idol. However, he was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a severe case of laryngitis. Despite this setback, he went on to have a top-ten hit with his cover of “I Will Always Love You.”

In the years that followed, Waller’s career struggled. He appeared on the reality show Celebrity Fit Club, but was asked to leave after it was discovered that he had been secretly binge-eating. In 2013, it was reported that he had lost his voice and could no longer sing. He has since been working as an exam invigilator.

Rosie Ribbons: An International Pursuit

Rosie Ribbons, the soulful singer from Wales, finished in sixth place on Pop Idol. After the show, she signed a five-album record deal and released two top-twenty singles, “Blink” and “A Little Bit.” However, her record label went bankrupt and she was released from her contract.

In 2007, Ribbons auditioned for Australian Idol, but did not make it to the final 12. She has since returned to the UK and has continued to work on her music.

Aaron Bayley: From Pop Idol to Wedding Singer

Aaron Bayley, the rock-loving singer from Newcastle, finished in eighth place on Pop Idol. After the show, he formed the Aaron Bayley Band, which performs at weddings and other private events. He has also been a part of the supergroup G*Mania, which toured the UK performing songs from the hit television show Glee.

Laura Doherty: A Different Path

Laura Doherty, the sweet-voiced singer from Derry, was the first contestant to be eliminated from the live finals. After the show, she returned to her studies and graduated from the University of Ulster with a degree in music. She now works as a hip-hop dance teacher in schools.

Michelle McManus: The Scottish Songbird

Although she was a contestant on the second series of Pop Idol, Michelle McManus is one of the show’s most beloved and memorable winners. The bubbly and talented singer from Glasgow won the hearts of the nation with her powerful voice and down-to-earth personality. After winning the show, she had a number-one single with “All This Time” and a top-three album, The Meaning of Love.

In the years that followed, McManus has worked as a television and radio presenter, a newspaper columnist, and a comedian. She has also starred in her own one-woman show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2017, she married her long-term partner and in 2020, she gave birth to her first child.

The stories of the Pop Idol contestants are a testament to the unpredictable nature of fame. While some have gone on to achieve lasting success in the music industry, others have found happiness and fulfillment in other areas of their lives. But one thing is for sure: they will always be remembered as the original pop idols, the pioneers who paved the way for a new generation of reality TV stars.