POP impresario Pete Waterman has tipped five wannabe popstars for success.

The record producer, who lives in countryside near Little Leigh, has given his support to five talented singers who 'nearly made it' on ITV's smash hit TV show Popstars.

The five - who have been dubbed the 'flopstars' by national newspapers - were among 10 finalists in a televised search to find members for a new pop band.

They didn't make it... but the flopstars Tony, Jessica, Michelle, Kevin and Kelli won the hearts of TV viewers.

And they have now been tipped by some to rival the winning finalists - Kym, Danny, Myleen, Noel and Suzanne - who were picked and have become household names as the Popstars band Hear'Say.

Mr Waterman, who made stars of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Rick Astley and who currently manages Steps, saw something special in the flopstars and has tipped them for success.

Pete said of the group: "I thought they were superb. Their only problem will be finding finance."

If this problem can be overcome the five talented 'rejects' seem destined for the top.

Thousands of people auditioned on the ITV Saturday-night show Popstars.

A team of three judges led by 'Nasty' Nigel Lythgoe searched the country to find the finalists.

Youngsters had to be aged between 18 and 24 years to take part.