He will have to prove himself twice over as a credible pop star in his own right

Smash Hits editor Emma Jones

Will polled 4.6 million votes, compared to Gareth's 4.1 million, in what was the largest phone vote ever recorded.

He will have his first stab at the charts on 25 February when double A-side Evergreen/Anything is Possible is released.

Smash Hits editor Emma Jones said the single is a guaranteed a number one spot, but fears that his success may be brief, as in the case of Popstars band Hear'Say.

'Credible'

They had the biggest selling British debut single ever for Pure and Simple, but the band have suffered a decline in popularity since.

Gates and Young campaigned hard in the final week

Ms Jones said: "Lessons can be learnt from the Hear'Say experience where public support and press reports began to grow sour as time went on.

"Sustaining a long term music career will be all about developing a personality, look and sound away from the show and in ultimately distancing himself from it."

"He will have to prove himself twice over as a credible pop star in his own right and not just the winner of a TV show."

Gareth is also embarking on the path to credible pop stardom, despite losing Saturday night's final.

The 17-year-old, who suffers from a stammer, has also been signed up by record boss and Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell.

Production

Cowell said after the show: "In one week there will be an announcement as to what and when his first record will be released and there will be some very, very exciting news attached to that."

Will's single has already gone into production and he is fly out to a mystery location in the next few days to film the video.

Last week more than six million people voted, with Gareth winning 39.8% of the votes, Will on 39.3% and Darius Danesh on 20.9%, a result which eliminated the former Popstars contestant.

On Saturday night they were required to sing three songs each before the panel.

They performed the double A-side single, to be released by the winner, but also sang the track the panel thought was their strongest during the series - Will performed The Doors' Light My Fire, while Gareth chose The Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody.