A NORTH-East singing sensation has made it through to the nail-biting last ten stage of the star-making TV show Popstars.

Michelle Heaton, a 21-year-old from Newcastle, has seen off nearly 3,000 other wannabes to reach the final stage of the programme. The nation has watched gripped, as ruthless star makers have whittled the hopefuls down to a final ten, ready to mould into a manufactured group.

On Saturday night, Channel Four viewers will see the judges visit the would-be stars in their homes to let them know if they made the band.

TV bosses have refused to reveal who has made the final five, even refusing to release any personal details about the candidates.

Dancer Michelle has barely put a foot wrong so far and has been close to making the grade at other talent auditions.

A spokesman for LWT, who make the programme, said: "Rumour, gossip and speculation have been rife since the show began.

"However, we are still delighted that the programme has attracted so much interest."

Other North-East hopefuls have already experienced the bitter taste of rejection. Stuart Pawley, from Dipton, near Stanley, was recently sent home, while viewers saw Gateshead hopeful David Wilson crash out of the show on Tuesday.

The dejected 25-year-old was at a loss to explain why he did not make the grade. He said: "I still don't know to this day why I didn't get in."

The unnamed group will be signed to Polydor and a debut single is expected within weeks.