It's been a long 16 years since Gareth Gates shot to stardom as the runner-up on ITV's hugely successful Pop Idol.

He may have come 2nd place to winner Will Young, and famously battled with his stammer, but it hasn't stopped Gareth, now 33, from going on to have tremendous success in the charts, on stage (in shows such as Legally Blonde and Les Miserables) and, most recently, as a burgeoning entrepreneur.

Currently starring in the UK Tour of Footloose, this Christmas will see Gareth take up residence at the Wolverhampton Grand, heading up their 2017/18 panto playing the title role in 'Jack and the Beanstalk'.

I caught up with Gareth backstage at the Grand after a morning shooting promo footage and stills for the show, and chatted all things panto, co-stars, shirtless scenes & magic beans...

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK runs at the Wolverhampton Grand from Saturday 9 December 2017 to Sunday 14 January 2018.

Book your tickets online at:

www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/panto/jack-and-the-beanstalk/

Alternatively, call the Box Office direct on 01902 429 212.