THE judges won’t know what’s hit them when girl band Husstle explode into this year’s round of The X Factor.

Their energetic choreography is sure to set them apart from other contestants, with an upbeat sound to match.

“It’s funky pop, quite commercial, with a strong element of street dance,” says founding member Carol Mounsey, originally from Thatto Heath.

“While I don’t want to compare us too much with other acts, some people have said we’re like the Pussycat Dolls.

“But people will see for themselves when we get out there. We can’t wait for our appearance on the show.”

Currently working with producers whose previous clients include the Sugababes and Alesha Dixon, the group are eager to put their own stamp on this year’s competition.

And they’re no strangers to the entertainment industry.

Carol has acquired a healthy knowledge of the music business since co-founding Warrington’s PopSkool Academy in 2004. It was here that she first got to know her bandmates, Jessica Kozi from Sutton Leach, Alannah Maggs from Ashton-in-Makerfield, and Stacey Camps from Leeds. They worked with each other on various projects before deciding to form the group.

It certainly isn’t the first time Carol has entered a talent show.

As a young girl she won the St Helens Star Junior Competition, an experience she looks back on fondly.

“The St Helens Star contest was my first taste of the spotlight. My sister and I sang The Locomotion,” she says.

“They asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said ‘a performer’ and never looked back!”

Her bandmate Stacey also had a previous brush with fame, appearing on The X Factor in 2006. Stacey was reluctant to put herself through the gruelling audition process again, but with some encouragement from the other girls, she was persuaded to give it her best shot.

Are the band nervous about encountering the acid-tongued Simon Cowell?

“A bit, but you always get nerves if you’re passionate about what you’re doing,” Carol says.

And no matter what stage of the competition they make it to, Carol is looking forward to passing on her experience to all at the PopSkool Academy. Having fun is at the core of the PopSkool ethos, and appearing on The X Factor will be no exception.

“I always tell the kids that if you stop enjoying it, there’s no point. Performing should always be fun.”

Husstle will be storming their way through an exclusive live set at the Imperial Bar in Ormskirk Street on Friday, May 21. A schools tour is to follow.

To support the band, you can join their Facebook page.

For more information about PopSkool, call 07725 127692 or visit popskool.com.