While “American Idol” is just getting the party started, its U.K. predecessor, “Pop Idol,” has already spawned two hit-makers who are tackling the charts and arenas with gusto. Will Young emerged the triumphant winner out of 10,000 initial applicants and Gareth Gates came in a close second in the U.K. television contest.

Although Young won the top prize of a lucrative recording contract, Gates’ runner-up position hasn’t stopped him from weighing in on the success scale. Between the two, their singles have spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the U.K. and they’ve shattered several chart records.

This fall, the two, joined by special guest and fellow “Pop Idol” contestant Zoe Birkett, will take Britain by storm again. The trio, united under the Will & Gareth tour, launch their U.K. arena outing October 3. With just a couple of exceptions, each stop is a two-night stand. Cities included in the tour are Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Glasgow.

In addition to performing their No. 1 hits, Will and Gareth will also showcase material from their forthcoming debut albums, as well as a few hidden surprises.

Both have already played arenas during the Pop Idol 2002 tour, which took place in their home country during March.

Pop Idol – The Big Band Album, featuring songs by the 10 finalists, was released earlier this year and shot to No. 1 in the U.K.