Absolutely useless. That’s how Mr Nasty Simon Cowell described these hopefuls who appeared on X Factor.

They are Nathan Scott, 21, Adam Davies, Craig Stace, Joe Amirasaleh, and Kye Homewood, all 20, aka Walderwood.

The lads came up with the title because some of them are from Walderslade and others are from Lordswood.

Walderwood were brimming with confidence when they were interviewed before their audition on the ITV talent show but they say nerves got the better of them.

Their rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ Quit Playing Games with My Heart, sent the panel into fits of laughter.

Nathan, of Birch Drive, Lordswood, said: “I entered us into the competition without the others knowing. We have been watching the show for the last few years and I thought it would be great to be on it.

“For the first audition we sang Mandy by Barry Manilow. We only learnt the words the day before and didn’t practice until we were on our way there.”

Despite their lack of preparation, Walderwood got through the next two rounds and were given the chance to face the judges; Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh.

Nathan, who is studying at the University of Greenwich at Medway, said: “It was pretty scary going in front of the judges with all the lights and cameras on us. We didn’t perform very well. I think nerves got the better of us. We can do much better than we did on the day.

“We were a bit disappointed but to be honest we weren’t really expecting much.”

Walderwood’s performance has attracted a bit of attention, but not all the comments have been positive. They have been described as the worst boy band on X Factor. But the less than kind comments haven’t upset the band.

Nathan said: “The best bit about being on X Factor is getting recognised. I’ve been clubbing a few times and girls have come up to me asking to have their photos taken with me. It’s been great.”