GUY band G4 makes a bid for stardom on Saturday.

And lining up with the band for the final countdown to possible popstar status is former University of Huddersfield student Matthew Stiff.

G4 are among three groups and six other acts bidding to prove they have "The X Factor" in the hugely-popular ITV show.

Matt, 24, is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The other group members are Jonathan Ansell, Ben Thapa and Michael Christie.

Matt, who is originally from Bognor Regis studied at the university's department of music.

He obtained a first degree and then went on to complete masters degree from the university.

A spokesman said: "Matt was a very popular and well regarded student while he was in Huddersfield.

"Staff have said he always had a bit of `get up and go' and showed promise and obviously we are all wishing him well in the competition over the coming weeks."

Judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh were originally sceptical of putting operatic quartet G4 forward in the competition which has a £1m record deal as its prize.

The band is currently even money to win the groups section according to bookmakers William Hill.

Spokesman Rupert Adams said: "Louis Walsh was worried that G4 might not have the popular appeal but this is definitely not what we are seeing.

"G4 are now even money to win the groups and are 9/2 from 5/1 to win X Factor outright."

Over the next eight weeks G4, along with the other groups and six other performers, will battle it in a series of themed live shows.

The public will vote off one act each week before a grand final on December 11 where just two remain.

The winning act will release a single in time for Christmas and an album.

If G4 win it will be a far cry from their busking days.

Reports claim they once collected £640 by singing outside the Tate Modern in London for just four hours.