GIRL groups can seem ten a penny ever since the Spice Girls burst on to the pop scene, but perhaps among the exceptions could be the shapely form of the Saturdays.

They seemed just another fivesome of young females in daring frocks ready to pout and pose, but the Saturdays in reality put on a damn fine show at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, on Wednesday.

Threatening to muscle in on their pint-sized, glow stick-waving, pick‘n’mix-guzzling fan base, however, is tour support Pixie Lott.

The diminutive 18-year-old Brentwood lass in huge heels and a spangly leotard, has shaken up the pop world by zooming out of nowhere to number one with her debut single Mama Do.

With the Essex crowd firmly on her side, she kicked pop ass with great vocals. An acoustic section really highlighted the power of her vocals.

Looking like a way cooler Hannah Montana, but with a big R‘n’B voice, she’s tipped for superstardom.

As for the headliners, did they giggle and gibber hyperactively, and return every over-eager young groupie’s wave? They did and the audience went wild.

The music started and one by one the girls were lit, looking amazing and sounding even better. There were no backing tracks here, a full band knocked out the tunes. Heck, they even sang live – take note Britney!

With a set filled with costume changes, catchy covers and all their hits, the Saturdays were clearly enjoying performing. They bonded well with the audience, particularly when Frankie and Rochelle reminded us of their Essex roots and the cheer raised the roof.