A PRESTON pop wannabe, who had his talents rubbished by music supremo Pete Waterman on the hit television show Pop Idol, was invited back to appear in the final.

Howard Fifer, pictured, 22, of Manchester Road, Avenham, got through two rounds of auditions to appear on the hit show in October, but the infamous judges were less than impressed with his singing and dancing skills.

Pop guru Pete Waterman, who set the likes of Kylie and Steps on the road to chart-topping success, told the former performing arts student not to give up his day job.

"Pete Waterman basically told me that I couldn't sing or dance, but I said at least I had a degree to be proud of," said Howard.

The former University of Central Lancashire student, who finished his course with a 2:1 degree, didn't think much of the other judges either after they criticised his break-dancing routine live on television.

But this week pop flop Howard was given a second chance to perform in front of the cameras after being invited to join 50 of the original Pop Idol hopefuls to record a line from the classic Lou Reed song Perfect Day.

Howard sang the line 'I'm glad I spent it with you' and travelled to Manchester's posh Malmaison hotel on Tuesday to record a special performance. He said: "It's a good break because it's a chance for me to get some more exposure on national television."

But, despite his life-long dream of becoming a pop sensation, Howard admits his university tutor warned him against pursuing a music career after graduation.

Instead, he says, staff advised him to stick to acting -- an area he excelled in -- like Emmerdale's newest recruit Ruth Abram, from Fulwood, who was also on Howard's course before winning the role on television's Soapstars.

But despite the criticism unemployed Howard, who was brought up in Ilford, Essex, has not made major alterations to his routine. He regularly struts his stuff at Squires Nightclub in Preston and plans to audition for Pop Stars 2.

He said: "I've decided to break-dance again next time, but you'll see me pull off a couple of new moves I have been practising.

"I've been auditioning for pop groups since I was 13 and it's always been a dream of mine, so I'm going to keep doing it."

And who does Howard think will be the ultimate Pop Idol on Saturday? "I've said all the way through that Gareth deserves to win it and I still think he will -- he has the look and the voice."