Pop star Gareth Gates has welcomed the idea to team up with garage star Romeo, from the dance group So Solid Crew, for a duet.

Romeo recently said he wanted to record a song with the Pop Idol finalist in an interview, and Gates has responded by saying he was keen on the idea.

Work commitments mean that the two stars may not get together for some time, and a spokeswoman for Romeo said: "They have discussed it, but they haven't finalised anything.

"Romeo's album is out in two weeks time, and over the next few months he'll be very busy with press and touring commitments."

'Name change'

Gates told a newspaper: "It's always flattering when other musicians say they'd like to work with you, especially when they are known for a totally different kind of music.

a "I reckon it would be great... I think I could learn a lot from So Solid. I may need to change my name though to be part of the 'crew' - I mean Gareth is going to stand out like a sore thumb, isn't it."

Gates has just released his solo album, while Romeo's single, Romeo Dunn, came out in September and reached number three in the charts.