Singer Gareth Gates has become a father for the first time after his wife Suzanne gave birth to a baby girl.

Their daughter, Missy, was born on Monday morning and weighed 7lb 8oz.

Gates, who shot to fame after he was on talent show Pop Idol and starred in the second series of Dancing on Ice, is currently starring in the West End in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

"We are so excited. Missy is beautiful and we can't wait to spend time together as a family," the 24-year-old singer said.

Gates overcame a stammer to become runner-up in Pop Idol in 2002.

He went on to notch up four number one singles but his second album, released in 2003, had disappointing sales and he was eventually dropped by record label Sony BMG.

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