Gates holds number one spot

Gates was runner-up on the Pop Idol show

Teenage Pop Idol finalist Gareth Gates has held the number one spot in the UK singles chart, extending his run at the top to two weeks.

Gates knocked Will Young, his rival in the TV talent show, from number one last week - but failed to beat Young's record-breaking sales total.

UK singles chart

1. Gareth Gates - Unchained Melody

2. Ali G and Shaggy - Me Julie

3. Shakira - Whenever, Wherever

4. Will Young - Evergreen/Anything Is Possible

5. Missy Elliott - 4 My People

Young's single sold 1.1 million copies in its first week of release - but has now seen sales dip, making it drop from number two to number four in the chart.

New Latin star Shakira and Ali G's duet with Shaggy have both moved back up to leapfrog Young in the top five.

Celine Dion has made a successful comeback, with her latest CD, A New Day Has Come, going straight in at number one in the album chart.

Gates, 17, was runner-up to Young in the Pop Idol TV show, which won both of them legions of fans.

Gates' version of Unchained Melody made him the youngest British male solo singer to top the UK singles chart when it went straight in at number one on Sunday, 24 March.

Will Young (left) broke chart records with his first single

It has proved hugely popular - but could not match Young's record for the fastest-selling single in chart history.

In this week's chart, the highest new entry is hip-hop star Missy Elliott with 4 My People at number five.

United States rock band Nickelback's hit How You Remind Me rose three places, from nine to six, while their album Silver Side Up is at number two.

Other new entries in the singles chart include drum and bass anthem Shake Ur Body by Shy FX and T Power at number seven, and One Day In Your Life by singer Anastacia at 11.

George Michael's first new single for more than three years, Freeek, fell from number seven to 17.