HAMPSHIRE'S wannabe chart-topper Ian Harvey last night lost out on his chance of pop stardom.

The 22-year-old from Hythe failed in his attempt to get through TV auditions to be part of a new five-piece pop group.

The fibre-optics salesman was one of 14 to be picked after thousands of budding singing stars auditioned across the country, including Southampton, for the ITV programme Popstars.

But last night, in front of millions of viewers, he was one of four hopefuls given the chop by the panel of judges.

On Saturday, the judges "Nasty'' Nigel Lythgoe, Nicki Chapman and Paul Adam will go to the homes of the final ten to let the lucky few know whether they are in with a chance of pop stardom. The five winners will go forward to sign a record deal with Polydor and will release a single next month.