15 October 2023 , 21:22
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Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins fans were left in tears tonight as Gareth Gates broke down sobbing as he recalled the horrific bullying he was subjected to during his childhood all due to the fact he struggled with a speech impediment.
Gareth, who shot to fame on Pop Idol back in the early 2000's was called into the interrogation room after he impressed the leaders during a gruelling task, but the singer soon broke down in tears when asked about his childhood and his past.
The former Pop Idol star, 39, has lived with a speech impediment known as a stammer or stutter since he was a child. The communication disorder means a speaker may involuntarily repeat sounds or syllables, make words longer by elongating the first syllable, or have issues saying certain words.
Celebrity SAS fans heartbroken as Gareth Gates sobs over 'unbearable' bullying about his stammer (Channel 4)Sharing some insight into the bullying he received as a child over his speech problems, Gareth broke down as he recalled: “For me, growing up was hard – at school, having a stammer. School was just... [I was] verbally abused, physically. Lads just holding me down and shouting things,” he said through sobs.
“I think that’s why I’m here, to show myself that I am stronger, and that hopefully this time, I won’t break," he added. “The bullying at school just became unbearably bad,”
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"I’ve got those horrendous scars there still. I think if I could get through this course, it would just prove to myself that I am strong. I’ve grown, and I’ve learnt, and I can handle anything," the brave singer added.
Gareth's confession on camera left viewers in tears as they praised the singer for his honesty in recounting his distressing bullying trauma. "Gareth Gates is a real man. How brave he is," one gushed.
"OMG Gareth Gates has me bawling," someone else echoed, while another person wrote: "Heartbreaking hearing poor Gareth's story. Absolutely heartbreaking."