\n Gareth Gates first soared to fame when he appeared on the first series of Pop Idol 24 years ago.\n<\/p>\n
\n Since then, the 41-year-old has some more than 3.5 million records in the UK and taken to the stage in West End shows including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.\n<\/p>\n
\n Now, he\u2019s combining his pop and musical theatre backgrounds in his new tour \u2013 which has a racy twist.\n<\/p>\n
\n Boyband in the Buff will see the popstar and the cast of \u2018ripped and ridiculously talented\u2019 performers belt out some of the biggest hits from the 90s and 00s.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe title sounds a lot scarier than it actually is,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt\u2019s essentially myself and very talented lads who all sing and dance, all in big West End shows, and we sing those big 90s and 00s boy band hits.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cBut we just so happen to look half decent without a top on.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Inspiration for the show came from the success of shows like Magic Mike, a stage adaptation of the popular film which explores the world of male stripping.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dubbed \u2018the singing version of Magic Mike\u2019 the cast have to not only rehearse the numbers but also put in the work at the gym to keep up their appearances.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe gym is as important as anything else and as we\u2019re going around the country we sort of plan the travel and where we\u2019re going to stay based on the nearest gym,\u201d said Gareth.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe arrive early every day to go to the gym before we do the show.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI\u2019ve trained hard for the past 10 years. As you get older you realise that health and fitness is important to live a long and happy life.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n It\u2019s not the first time the 41-year-old has had to take to the stage in very little clothing, as he\u2019s worn a loincloth and hotpants during his time performing in musicals.\n<\/p>\n
\n This past experience, however, didn\u2019t stop the initial nerves when starting the Boyband in the Buff tour.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, the first few shows we were all kind of nervous about,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cBut growing in confidence and being comfortable in your skin is extremely important.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n The 41-year-old is pleased to have had such a great response to the show, proving that his heart-throb days are not yet behind him.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt’s extremely flattering,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cPop Idol was 24 years ago and to still be treading the boards and as busy as ever, it\u2019s a nice position to be in.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI\u2019m extremely grateful and very thankful for that.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Boyband in the Buff will head to Parr Hall on May 30.\n<\/p>\n