Gates was runner up on Pop Idol

The denial comes after a newspaper report the singer's career was in jeopardy because of poor sales for his new album, Go Your Own Way.

But a spokeswoman said the report in The Sun was "completely untrue".

She said that Gates was shooting a new video for a single, which is to be released in December.

Gates' album Go Your Own Way, which has been out for four weeks, is currently at number 73.

It is the pop star's second album on label BMG since coming second to Will Young in the ITV1 talent show last year.

His pop career started with massive success, including number one singles Unchained Melody, Anyone of Us (Stupid Mistake), Long and Winding Road and Spirit in the Sky.

Changed image

Like fellow contestant Will Young, he expanded his appeal outside the UK to countries including Germany, Holland and Norway.

His debut album What My Heart Wants to Say was released in October of last year.

The young singer's image has changed markedly from the stuttering 17-year-old who narrowly missed out on Pop Idol victory.

Since then he has admitted to having an affair with glamour model Jordan and has recently changed his image to appeal to older pop fans.

Gates will face further competition in the current months as singles from the Pop Idol 2 contenders are released.