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Following our recent look at the girlies, we thought we'd even things up with a look at ten of their male counterparts.

10. Backstreet Boys

Leaders of the teen pop world in the late 90s, these Floridians achieved huge success until splitting in 2001. After a four-year hiatus, the Backstreet Boys returned with the album Never Gone in 2005. Their next release Unbreakable appeared in 2007.

9. New Kids On the Block

Formed in Boston in 1986, they enjoyed a strong run of hits between 1988 and 1990. The group disbanded by 1994 and the members tried solo careers with little success. The group reunited in 2008 and released the album The Block.

8. *NSYNC

Like Britney, two members of this group, Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez, had their first significant singing roles as members of the New Mickey Mouse Club. In 1996, they formed *NSYNC in Orlando with three additional members. By 1998, they had their first top 10 pop hit and spent the next four years frequently near the top of the charts. Since then Timberlake has enjoyed huge solo success.

7. Take That

The biggest selling pop group in the U.K. since the Beatles, Take That enjoyed huge success in the early-mid 90s but then Robbie left and the wheels came off. 2006’s Robbie-less reunion was a surprisingly epic success and rumours continue to circulate about the prodigal son’s return.

6. The Monkees

Formed by television producers Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson in 1965, the Monkees are boy band pioneers. The four members were selected to perform catchy pop tunes – written by the likes of Neil Diamond no less - while also acting in a television series. They disbanded in 1970.

5. New Edition

Formed in Boston in 1978 while the first 3 members were still in elementary school. 1983’s “Candy Girl" elevated them to pop star status and after they split, Bobby Brown went on to enjoy significant solo success.

4. Boyzone

Six UK number one singles, five number one albums and 20 million record sales puts Ronan & Co in the top tier. Stephen Gately sadly died last year but they band are currently back with a new album, Brother, in memory of their lost friend.

3. Westlife

Second project by Boyzone manager Louis Walsh and co-managed by Ronan Keating, the Dublin group's first single debuted at #1 on the British charts in 1999 and they been ever-present contributors to the top ten since then, despite the departure of one of the founding members, Brian McFadden.

2. The Jackson Five

Another act to fall into the pioneer category, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael were the stars of Motown in the late 60s and early 70s thanks to hits such as ABC and I Want You Back. The band provided the platform for Michael to launch his solo career after which he became the biggest pop star ever known.

1. East 17

Named after the Walthamstow postcode, this duo formed in 1992 and achieved eighteen Top 20 singles and four Top 10 albums during the early-mid 90s. Then Brian Harvey admitted to taking drugs and accidentally ran himself over in his own car. Genius.