Katie Price calls Gareth Gates the ‘one that got away’ 24 years after taking his virginity
Katie Price calls Gareth Gates the ‘one that got away’ 24 years after taking his virginity
Katie Price calls Gareth Gates the one - Katie Price’s romantic journey has been marked by frequent shifts, akin to the ever-changing lineup of the Sugababes. Yet, despite the whirlwind of relationships, the pop star remains nostalgic about her time with Gareth Gates, a former flame who left a lasting impression in the early 2000s.
A controversial past that shaped pop culture
The brief affair between Price and Gates became a defining moment in British pop culture, remembered for its unexpected nature and the scandal it sparked. In 2002, when the 24-year-old model, still known as Jordan, was six months pregnant with her first child, Harvey, she and the then-17-year-old singer shared a passionate encounter that would later be dubbed one of the most talked-about moments of the decade.
At the time, Price had just ended her short relationship with Dwight Yorke, the footballer who had briefly captured headlines. This transition into a new chapter with Gareth, however, was not without its drama. The young singer initially denied the connection, claiming he hadn’t wanted his family to learn about his personal life and was worried about its impact on his career.
“You don’t know why, and then you go forward 25 years and you get the answers,” Price reflected during a recent launch event for her documentary series. She revealed that Gareth had believed she had done something to deserve the story, only to later discover it was all a misunderstanding. “Because he had thought I’d done something which I didn’t do, and now he finds out, it really wasn’t me,” she added with a wry smile.
Revealing the truth in a public spotlight
Gareth’s denial of the affair had been part of the public narrative for years, but the docuseries brought new light to the situation. In a candid interview for the project, he shared his perspective on the events, acknowledging that his youth played a role in his initial reluctance to admit the relationship. “I denied the whole Jordan thing because I was 17, I didn’t want my family to find out about my sex life,” he explained. “If I hadn’t lied, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. My family, friends, and fans wouldn’t have felt as let down.”
He also admitted that he had tried to distance himself from the story, claiming that it was “a lot for a kid who wasn’t even an adult yet to take” when the details surfaced in the tabloids. Despite his initial stance, the affair remained a topic of fascination, with fans and media alike speculating about the emotional fallout for both parties.
Price, however, has always maintained that the notoriety surrounding the relationship was partly due to her pregnancy. During a recent appearance on the Anything Goes podcast, she calmly confirmed the story, stating: “Yeah, I took his virginity when I was six months pregnant.” When the host gave a disapproving head shake, she quipped back: “Just because I’m pregnant don’t say I can’t have a boyfriend.”
A new chapter with lingering echoes
While the incident has been a part of Price’s public persona for years, she has rarely spoken about Gareth since the affair. The docuseries, however, reignited interest in the past, with Gareth appearing in a later episode of the four-part Sky series, *Katie Price: Nothing to Hide*, produced by Louis Theroux’s company. The series delves into the singer’s life, including her turbulent relationships and personal milestones.
The romance with Gareth is often cited as one of the most memorable of her career, blending personal vulnerability with the chaos of celebrity life. It also highlighted the pressures faced by young musicians in the spotlight, as Gates struggled to reconcile his public image with the private truth of their connection. His eventual admission, though, added a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing how the story evolved over time.
As the docuseries progresses, it not only revisits the past but also connects it to Price’s current life. Her fourth marriage, to Lee Andrews, has been her most tumultuous yet, with the couple’s whirlwind wedding leading to a series of challenges, including Andrews’ incarceration in a Dubai jail. This backdrop of personal drama adds context to her reflections on earlier relationships, including the one with Gareth.
Price’s comments on Gareth, made during the launch of the series, underscore the enduring impact of the affair. “Imagine meeting someone 25 years ago and then they sort of ghost you,” she said, capturing the essence of the moment. Her words resonate with fans who remember the scandal as a pivotal event in the 00s, a time when pop culture was often intertwined with personal stories.
While the relationship may have been fleeting, its significance in both Price’s life and the public eye remains undeniable. The docuseries offers a chance to revisit these memories, shedding light on the complexities of love, fame, and the choices that define a career. For Price, it’s a way to reflect on the past while moving forward, with Gareth’s story serving as a reminder of the “one that got away.”
As the series continues, it’s clear that the past is not just a chapter but a recurring theme in Price’s journey. The public’s fascination with her relationships, from Dwight Yorke to Lee Andrews, has been a constant, and the Gareth Gates story adds another layer to this narrative. Whether seen as a moment of youthful passion or a scandalous misstep, it remains a part of her legacy, one that continues to captivate and provoke discussion.