HAMPSHIRE’S singing superstar, Tom Mann, and his boy band Stereo Kicks are set to unleash the power of the big ballad as they continue their bid for X Factor glory.

Although the actual song is under wraps until tonight’s show, the TV talent show’s theme this week is Michael Jackson v Queen.

The group narrowly avoided exiting the show last weekend thanks to public support but Tom, from Chandler’s Ford, and his bandmates are in good spirits according to his sister, Sophie Buckley.

She told the Daily Echo that Tom has revealed the band is taking on “a massive iconic song” as they bid to recapture the success they had with Run and Let It Be.

He told her the numbers will have “loads of harmonies, big anthemic choruses” and will be a “big ballad to try and connect with the audience more”.

Sophie added: “Last weekend was very traumatic. The boys were understandably deflated, but they realise they’re living their dream and don’t want this to end.

“They work so hard all week, the schedule is non-stop, but they love it.

“The boys are now in good spirits and are feeling good about their song choice.

“They are unsure what went wrong last Saturday night, but they are desperate to do whatever it takes to come back stronger. No one is safe, so we urge people to vote for Stereo Kicks and keep them in the competition.”

Tom took time out from his bid for X Factor glory this week to celebrate his 21st birthday.

Tom and pals drank champagne, ate birthday cake and posed for pictures with waitresses at Alpine-themed nightspot Bodo’s Schloss in London’s Kensington, said to be popular with Prince Harry.

However not all his Stereo Kicks band members could join in the fun: Reece Bibby, 16, and Charlie Jones, 14, were forced to miss the occasion because they are under-age.

Sophie, however, told the Daily Echo that the family had joined Tom for a celebratory breakfast on his actual birthday – Monday, November 3 – where he opened presents including a surprise trip to New York from his girlfriend Charlotte.

Sophie said: “I’m sure we’ll all |have a belated celebration when he comes home.

“We’re missing him terribly, but we don’t want him home yet as they’re not ready to leave the competition yet.”

The band will be hoping they will do better this week after ending up in the bottom two for two weeks running.