X Factor stars JLS have signed a record deal.

The boyband had a meeting with record label Epic on Monday to discuss their futures.

Croydon’s JB Gill told the Croydon Guardian how thrilled the boys were when they heard the news.

“Everyone was ecstatic when we heard. It’s the best place for us to be,” he said.

“We met with Epic yesterday and they told us how enthusiastic they were about working with us.”

The next few months are going to be incredibly busy for Aston, JB, Marvin and Ortise.

They have had a restful eight days off but on Wednesday they play at Chicago in Sutton and then begin performances all over the country almost non-stop until the X Factor tour begins on February 22 in Aberdeen.

“The quest after that is for our first single,” said JB. “We are keen to get on and record that and get it out as soon as possible.

“Epic are going to put a lot into us and hopefully we can get a big return for them.”

The band are ambitious and willing to work seven days a week to follow in the footsteps of megastar Leona Lewis.

“We have no problems with working hard. We are at the beginning of our careers and willing to do what it takes to achieve what we want to achieve,” said a determined JB.

He also spoke of his hope to perform in Croydon again. He said that there had been talk of playing to a possible 5,000 people at his former school Whitgift, but that nothing had been firmed up yet.

“It’s all about the fans that take their time to support us. At the moment we will go and perform wherever we are wanted,” he said.

Nick Raphael, managing director of record label Epic, said: "JLS are the best boy band to emerge from a TV talent show.

"The band already have an incredible fan base, and I look forward to launching their recording career."

Other stars on the Epic label include Lemar, Scouting for Girls and Shakira.