The Saturdays came to Hammersmith Apollo as part of their Work tour but the girls still have some way to go before being promoted to pop’s executive committee.

They’re getting all the right experience. The five-piece supported labelmates Girls Aloud on their tour last year and sang this year’s Comic Relief song, I Just Can’t Get Enough. Members Frankie Sandford and Rochelle Wiseman would like to remove their time in S Club 8 from their CVs but the band remain strong candidates for superstardom.

There were times last night, however, when you wondered if The Saturdays believed they were up to the job. If This Is Love was a nervy set-opener, with the band looking and sounding unsure and exposed.

Like the best girl groups, they are a pack animal and grew in confidence together. Keep Her was feisty, feminist pop that showcased Vanessa White’s warbling; Why Me, Why Now wore its Motown makeover surprisingly well; and new track One Shot sounded like a future favourite.

Yet the problem remains: The Saturdays aren’t sure who they are yet. Una Healy and Molly King picked up guitars for the dreary Chasing Lights but going the serious musician route would be the wrong option for this most manufactured of groups.

Elsewhere, a medley of songs by Rihanna, Katie Perry and Pink was the sound of a band still in awe of its contemporaries. Without more self-belief, The Saturdays will remain pop’s fun but forgettable work experience girls.