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Simon Cowell reveals he has a stutter and admits he related to Gareth Gates' audition on Pop Idol: 'There are times when I just can't get the words out'

Simon, 65, was on the judging panel when singer Gareth, 40, auditioned for the first ever series of the talent show back in 2002.

Gareth captured fans' attention when he auditioned at the age of 17 and blew the judges away with his singing voice after struggling with a nervous stammer. 'Second day, the story got bigger to a point where I actually phoned my partner and I said "I don't like the look of this, I have a horrible feeling it's going to be like that movie Contagion, and I think we need to get all of our shows into production around the world quicker this year". Simon also told how despite his worldwide fame, he is very 'shy' in social situations (he is pictured with partner Lauren Silverman and their son Eric in September)

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