JLS set to release first single

The foursome, who came runners-up to Alexandra Burke in the ITV talent contest, have seen their career go from strength to strength, including high profile appearances in Wolverhampton and across the Midlands.

The quartet say they have fond memories of their time in Wolverhampton after being mobbed in the city's Nando's restaurant before their last appearance at Oceana nightclub and are looking forward to the release of their first single Beat Again on July 13.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Jonathan "JB" Gill said the last 12 months have been a dream come true for the band.

He said: "We have gone from a band struggling to make it, to the final of the X Factor, playing with Lemar and taking part in a nightclub tour.

"Releasing the single is the next step. Beat Again will be released July 13, with the album to come later in the year." JLS, an abbreviation of Jack the Lad Swing, is made up of Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Jonathan "JB" Gill and Ortise Williams.

The group formed in 2007 and signed a deal with Epic this January.

They were hailed by X Factor judge Simon Cowell as "brilliant" and have now said that another tour could be on the cards if the album is a success.

Songs by Michael Jackson and The Beatles were some of their most popular songs on the X Factor and the band said these influences will be apparent on the new album.

Aston Merrygold, said the band has been putting in long hours in the studio.

He said: "We have put a good number of tracks down and have been working from 10am until 3am some days.

"The album will feature all our own music with influences from Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Lenny Kravitz to The Temptations and The Beatles. The influences are very diverse, but it is all very upbeat."

JLS said they still keep up with celebrity pal X Factor winner Alexandra Burke – who has been recording in the studio next door to them – and learned a lot from working with Lemar, who become a star after coming third on reality show Fame Academy.