Davina consoles Popstars rejects

Disappointed Popstars 2 rejects were given a consoling hug by Davina McCall.

A group of hopefuls greeted her as she arrived at the auditions at Wembley Conference Centre.

They had failed even to make it through a screening audition to be seen by the show's judges.

McCall told them: "It might be because of your look but unfortunately it is the business we are in.

"I would love to judge you, but I know nothing - but I can give you a big hug if that makes you feel better."

Danielle Fairchild, 17, from Pitsea, said: "No Wonder Liberty X lost out last time. Hear'say have got no talent."

A spokesman for Popstars said: "These open auditions were held as a result of many hundreds of calls we received after launching the show.

"Unfortunately the deadline for registering had closed so we decided to open some open auditions to give people a second chance to enter.

"There will be people from the room that will get through and the best of luck to them."

Austin Hardiman, 23, from Shepherds Bush, one of those who did get through, said: "I'm pretty stoked. It's very cut-throat in there."