Popstars runners-up Liberty X - which include North-East star Michelle Heaton - were "over the moon" yesterday after their latest single went to the top of the charts.

And while the five losers of the TV talent show watch their careers take off with their third single, Just A Little, rivals Hear'Say are nowhere to be seen.

Hear'Say's last single only managed number four, and the band have postponed their upcoming tour after appointing new member Johnny Shentall.

But Liberty X's Tony, Gateshead girl Michelle, Kevin, Kelli and Jessica can now count themselves the winners in the charts, having pushed out Ronan Keating.

A spokesman for the band said they were thrilled at the result after a year of "ups and downs".

He said: "Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine themselves here.