Pop Idol was a British television series that was first shown on ITV on October 5, 2001. The show was a talent contest to decide the best new young pop singer, or 'pop idol', in the United Kingdom, based on viewer voting and participation. There were two series of "Pop Idol". The first was from October 2001 - February 2002. The winner was Will Young; the runner-up was Gareth Gates. The second series was in 2003. It was won by Michelle McManus.