Kimberley Walsh won't have far to look for support when she takes to the stage on the biggest night of her life tonight.

The audience at the Popstars: The Rivals studio will be packed with friends and family cheering on the Allerton 21-year-old.

But her mum Diane admitted there might just be a few butterflies as Kimberley battles it out with the five other contestants for a place in the five-piece all-girl outfit.

The remaining contenders will each sing in an effort to win enough votes to secure a place in the band which is tipped to top the UK charts this Christmas.

And as she prepared to head to the capital with other members of the family, Diane said she had mixed emotions as the final showdown approached.

The music teacher at Lidget Green Primary School said she had been keeping in close contact with Kimberley as she warmed up for the big night. "I have been busy at school, so I haven't really had too much time to worry about it," she said. "I am very nervous and just hoping that it goes well.

"All the girls have been really, really busy working this week, recording and rehearsing until the early hours of the morning."

She said Kimberley was staying focused on the task ahead after criticism in the tabloid press earlier this week, when it was claimed record bosses are hoping she is eliminated.

"It is very upsetting when they print things like that which are not true. I think Kimberley is looking forward to it being over in some ways. She is just hoping that she enjoys the performance."

The public vote is kept secret each week, and Mrs Walsh admitted she did not know how the result would turn out.

"You just can't tell which way the public will vote because it has been so up and down. I think she has got enough support and I hope the people of Bradford will back her as I am sure they already have. I know that she's good enough but I dare not say that I'm confident. I am just keeping my fingers crossed."

Whatever the outcome, the Leeds University student is assured of a big cheer from her fans in the crowd.

Mrs Walsh said: "I love seeing her perform and I am very proud at the way she has handled everything."