Gates was alleged to have had a liaison with glamour model Katie Price during the 2002 Pop Idol. Gates initially denied the rumours but finally admitted the relationship in 2003.

Gates lives in London with his wife, dancer, choreographer and model Suzanne Mole, whom he met at the Record of the Year awards in 2002. In October 2006 The People newspaper incorrectly reported that they had secretly married,. Gates and Suzanne Mole actually got engaged on New Years Eve 2007 and got married on the 18th July 2008 in a private ceremony for family and friends.

Gates is a supporter of Bradford Bulls and Leeds United F.C.; he is a patron of HIV / Aids Charity Body and Soul.

Gates is qualified as a speech coach and latterly course instructor with the McGuire Programme where he helps those with stammers such as his own. He was the youngest UK person to qualify as a speech coach with the programme. He co-led his first full course in February 2005 and in August 2006 instructed