Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller has signed up this year's silver and bronze medallists, according to The Sun today.

Rather than individual contracts, however, Mark and Sam have been signed as a duo in a Robson and Jerome style partnership.

The pair will release their first single - a cover of Beatles classic 'With A Little Help From My Friends' - on February 9.

“We never expected this opportunity to come along," Sam told the newspaper. "We’re both really grateful for all the support we have had. It’s going to be great fun.???

Mark added: “This is the best New Year present. To go into 2004 working together after becoming such good mates during the show is unbelievable."