Gareth Gates had not wanted to discuss his personal life

The singer said he was na�ve to have denied the liaison despite the topless model's interview in tabloid newspapers.

Gates finally admitted having had the relationship in an interview in the latest edition of Heat magazine.

"I shouldn't have denied it, but I did," said the star of the ITV 1 talent show.

The 18-year-old said he had a brief relationship with 25-year-old Jordan at the end of Pop Idol when she was six months pregnant.

Jordan has spoken about their relationship

"I was naive. But I have learnt a lot about people from this experience," he told the magazine.

Gates said that at the time he found Jordan's attentions "flattering".

"I was 17-years-old and had just moved from Bradford to London when, to be honest, I was pursued by her.

He said he had not spoken publicly because he thought relationships were private.

"I was embarrassed by what was said and didn't want my family to find out about it in this way".

Jordan, whose real name is Katie Price, has previously said she had a three-month relationship with Gareth and expressed anger at his denial.

"Nothing has changed and I don't wish to say any more because all the details will be in the book [her autobiography]," she said.