Gareth Gates looks likely to sell around 250,000 copies of
his debut single today, according to an HMV spokesman.
But this will not beat Will Young's first day sales of
385,000.
Gates is also unlikely to beat Will's first week sales of
1.1million, but is guaranteed to reach the number one position with his cover
of Unchained Melody.
The Pop Idol runner-up's single is on target to sell
around 800,000 copies in its first week. It would place his song as the second
fastest selling single of all time behind his rival Will.
HMV chart expert Gennaro Castaldo says Gareth's single has
performed far more strongly in the north of England than the south.
First day sales of Unchained Melody are matching those of
Will's Evergreen in Leeds and Newcastle.
There have also been unprecedented scenes in the HMV
branch of Gareth's home city of Bradford.
By 8.30am the store had sold 250 copies, and by 10.30am it
had reached 1000.
By the end of trading the store manager, Andy Baxter, is
expected to have sold in excess of 2000.