Gareth Gates Celebrates Daughters 17th Birthday!

has stunned fans with his birthday tribute to his daughter Missy to mark her 17th birthday on Monday evening. 

The star beamed proudly as he posed alongside Missy, whom he shares with ex-wife Suzanne Mole, and shared a loving caption about his 'gorgeous princess'.    

While many lauded the birthday girl, others pointed out how youthful Gareth is to have a daughter in her late teens - with one fan even pointing out Missy is the same age as Gareth when he soared to fame on talent show Pop Idol. 

He added a caption on the shot reading: 'My gorgeous Princess turns 17 today. Watching you grow into the kind hearted, thoughtful, fun and beautiful natured Lady you are today has been my greatest joy...

'I couldn’t be prouder of the person you’ve become. Daddy loves you so much. I must, however, warn the good British public that Missy moo now has wheels so watch out! Happy Birthday'.

The comments section was soon flooded, with one wowed fan writing: 'The age you was on pop idol crazy crazy how fast time goes x'.

Other overawed fans penned: 'Wow, I can’t believe how quickly time flies—it feels like the What My Heart Wants to Say and Go Your Own Way albums were released just yesterday.  btw they're still my fave albums...

'It seems mad that you’ve got a 17 year old. Where has the time gone. How is possible he has a daughter that old!!! Happy birthday but Gareth, you're not old enough to have a grown up daughter. I suddenly feel my age Flipping Eck, time flies'.

Gareth was the runner-up to Will Young on the first series of Pop Idol in February 2002, shooting to fame as a fresh-faced teenager. 

The star split from Missy's mum in 2012 when she was just three, having been married for four years. A statement read: Despite our efforts over the past three years to make our marriage work, sadly Suzanne and I have decided to separate...

'Whilst we have grown apart, we love and cherish our wonderful daughter Missy and together we will prioritise her happy upbringing.'

Away from his wholesome posts, Gareth is currently touring with his unique new venture, musical roadshow Boyband In The Buff. 

Billed as a 'celebration of pop, passion, and pecs' with 'tight harmonies and tighter pants', Boyband In The Buff was launching a 58 date nationwide tour at the Felixstowe venue. 

He will tour the country for much of the year with Boyband In The Buff, a nostalgic celebration of pop classics from the 1990s and 2000s - primarily those made famous by Take That, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and Blue.