Katherine’s shot at the big time

6:11pm Tuesday 15th May 2007

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TWO local lasses are hoping to make it big after being selected to audition for a girl group with a difference.

They are both auditioning for the biggest girl group in the world - a real girl band provisionally called Plus - consisting of members who are all at least a size 16.

Janene Harwood, of Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, and Katherine Price, 23, of the Quays pub, Festival Leisure Park, Basildon, will be making their bid for stardom in front of a judging panel next month.

Miss Price says she always wanted a career as a singer, but has been put off entering TV talent shows because of the criticism she could face for not having the "right look".

She said that even Michelle McMannus, X Factor winner, had to lose weight to succeed.

She said: "Simon Cowell gives such harsh comments. Even if you've got talent he can be rude about how you look."

"Bigger girls get left out of the picture too often because they've not got the so-called right look, even though they do have the talent. This is a chance to change all that.

"I'm quietly confident, but obviously there's quite a lot of people going for it. I've got nothing to lose."

Janene said: "I always wanted to be a singer and have always done karaoke and have been told I should pursue it.

"I saw the advert and thought it was worth a try. I was surprised when I was contacted to try out. I will be nervous."

She added: "I'm not in a dream world where I expect to turn into a superstar but I just wanted to give it a go and maybe become a role model."

The girls both had to send a demo tape and collection of photos to apply.

The advert for the band called for "big girls with big talents" and invited women who are at least size 16 to send a photo and biography to the competition organisers.

The auditions are being held on June 9 and 16 at Hertford Marquee club, in Hertford.

Each contestant will have to sing their own chosen song and one given to them by the judges.

The judges include soul singer Ruby Turner, Darren Bazzoni, who has produced for the Sugababes, and former Bay City Rollers publicist, Kizzi Nkwocha.