It has been more than a decade since Gareth Gates battled it out with Will Young on Pop Idol, but in the last year alone fans have seen him ice skating, in a boyband, performing solo and now he’s gearing up for panto.

The pop star, who has sold more than five million records around the world, will star in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls this Christmas.

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Picture by Simon Emery

It has been a busy year for Gareth but this festive season should be a cinch compared to the last one.

Gareth, still only 30, said: “It’s been crazy.

“Last Christmas I was doing Panto, training for Dancing on Ice every morning at seven and also filming the Big Reunion.

“I honestly don’t know how I did it!

“I was chuffed to get so far on Dancing on Ice as I was the last non-series winner standing – and a lot of that was down to my fans phoning in.

“It was also great playing the Hammersmith Apollo with the 5th Story lads (the original boyband of naughties pop stars put together on the Big Reunion)  – we were actually very good, dance moves and everything!

“I think we surprised some people...which is always nice.”

Gareth has recently bought a new home in London and is looking forward to spending this Christmas closer to home, and having played Croydon on one of his theatre tours, knew it was the right choice for panto.

The star said: “I love Christmas time and always have such a great time doing panto. It’s a magical time of year, how could you not enjoy it?

“And my daughter Missy is now five so it’s great that every year she enjoys it that little bit more.”

Though he started out in pop and won the nation’s hearts with his voice, Gareth – who has overcome a stammer – has successfully branched out into acting in the West End in shows like Joseph and Les Miserables.

He said: “I’m really lucky – I’ve always had a love for both.

“I performed in Joseph at school – and was lucky enough to perform it years later in the West End. Not many people can say that.

“But equally I love playing music gigs. I’ve an amazing band and we do lots of shows. I’m hoping to find a bit of time next year to finish writing the album I’ve started – I’ve just been too busy with work this year.”

Gareth Gates stars in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Fairfield Halls in Croydon from December 5 to January 4. Tickets cost from £17. Go to Fairfield.co.uk or call 020 8688 9291.