Pop Idol loser feels a 'winner'

Laura sang the James Bond theme Licence To Kill

Pop Idol loser Laura Doherty said she felt like a "winner" despite being voted off the programme.

The 20-year-old, from Londonderry in Northern Ireland, polled the fewest votes after singing the James Bond theme Licence To Kill.

More than 1.8 million people voted in the ITV1 programme, which is now down to the final six contestants.

All of the would-be stars had been given movie themes to sing.

Pop Idol odds

11/10 William Young

6/4 Gareth Gates

6/1 Zoe Birkett

6/1 Darius Danesh

10/1 Hayley Evetts

14/1 Rosie Ribbons

Source: Eurobet

Ms Doherty had been banished to the "sofa of shame" for the last three weeks for coming close to being kicked off, and music producer Pete Waterman said she had "got away with murder" for getting so far.

All three critics picked her to be voted off.

'Ambassador'

Ms Doherty said she cannot wait to get back to her home town: "I'm really, really excited.

"To get from 10,000 people down to seven, they can't believe it. They are calling me ambassador for the country."

The part-time TV presenter said she was upset at judge Simon Cowell's comments that the other six contestants were better.

"I said that I think we are all really talented. I don't really care what they say at this stage, it is just important to get your digs back.

William is the bookies favourite to win

"With the song, you just have to take a chance - if they like it then they will vote for you. I enjoyed it and thought it was a good song."

Ms Doherty said she was overwhelmed by the support she got from the public.

"I didn't feel like I was being put out of the competition last night, I felt like I had won."

William Young is the favourite to win the series, according to bookmakers.

He is narrowly ahead of Gareth Gates, with Zoe Birkett in third.

The winner will receive a management deal with 19 Management, the team behind the Spice Girls and S Club 7, and a recording contract with RCA Records.