The British version of the music/reality series Popstars (a U.S. version debuted to strong ratings on The WB last month) has selected the five singers who will form the country's latest manufactured pop group, with several writers predicting that if only a small portion of the huge viewing audience buys their records, they'll achieve Spice Girls-like success.

Each band member has received an advance of $60,000 and will receive $750 per week "in expenses" from their record company, Polydor, according to a spokesman for the show.

Source: Studio Briefing