The losers from ITV's Popstars: The Rivals are hoping to make it big after clinching a £500,000 record deal.

Boyband Phixx - composed of the five guys who didn't make it into the show's failed boyband One True Voice - are planning to repeat the success of Liberty X, who similarly lost out in the first Popstars series but went on to better longevity and critical acclaim than the "winners," Hear'Say.

Chris Park, Andrew Kinlochan, Peter Smith, Mikey Green and Nikk Mager have signed a three-album deal with independent label Concept Music for a reported £500,000.

The group - managed by the same team as Liberty X - will release their first single, 'Hold On Me' on October 27. The track has been produced by Fame Academy's songwriting teacher John McLaughlin, who has previously worked with the likes of Busted, Blue and Five.

“Being involved in Popstars: The Rivals gave us all our break," Mikey told The Sun. “The five of us all got on really well on the show and secretly always wanted it to be us who made the final band.???