A RECORD deal could be on the cards for Preston and Leyland's very own pop wannabes.

Jessica Taylor, of Penwortham, and Kevin Simm, who grew up in South Ribble, just missed out on joining the band, Inner Spin, created by ITV's popular hit show, Popstars.

But the talented duo, both 20, have clearly impressed music moguls, and this week the programme makers have revealed that several record companies are interested in the five who didn't make the band.

They were back in London this week recording for GMTV and, with minimal rehearsals, they joined three others from the show to perform as a five-piece band. Jessica, of Mulberry Avenue, and Kevin, a former pupils of Leyland St Mary's High School, have spent weeks under the spotlight, trying to impress judges.

During one of the final episodes contestants were put through a mock press conference and grilled about their personal lives. It was at this point office worker Jessica admitted experimenting with cannabis. Cool headed Kevin took the whole experience much more in his stride.

He said what he found more difficult was keeping the outcome secret - the contestants knew who had been picked long before viewers did.

"It has been hard not telling anyone," Kevin said. "I am not good at keeping secrets at the best of times but I had to do in this case, it was for my career and it would not have been fair on the others. But the last few weeks have been very difficult, especially living in a pub."

Popstars was not Kevin's first taste of fame, he has already been on Stars In Your Eyes when he sand The Riverboat Song. He has also done a season in a pub in Blackpool with the band Force Five, and he still does a turn now and again at the Royal pub in Abbey Village which his parents run.