As X-Factor mania builds, Irish twins 'Jedward' have split the nation with their boisterous brand of pop.

IPSWICH: As X-Factor mania builds, Irish twins 'Jedward' have split the nation with their boisterous brand of pop.

But the people of Ipswich today gave the controversial duo the big thumbs down - claiming they can't dance, can't sing and shouldn't be in the contest.

Head judge Simon Cowell sparked outrage when he voted to save the terrible twosome over fellow contestant Lucie Jones in Sunday night's showdown.

The pop mogul was branded 'Simon Coward' after his surprise change of heart, having slammed the pair as “vile little creatures” on previous shows.

Thousands of viewers logged on to The Evening Star website to vent their fury over the decision, claiming Cowell was thinking of ratings rather than talent.

Marisa Dunn, 48, of Sheldrake Drive in Ipswich said: “I hate Jedward with a passion, they are the most irritating act to watch.

“They can't sing, they can't dance and Simon's decision was a cop out.”

But a growing army of celebrity fans backed the bubbly brothers such as Robbie Williams, tennis ace Andy Murray and Conservative leader David Cameron.

The twins now have their own Facebook page as well as an army of fans, dubbed 'Jedwardians', who vote for the pair every week.

Vicky Polley, six, of Maidenhall Road, Ipswich, said: “I like John and Edward.

“They are good singers - I like it when they come on stage.”

Last week's showdown drew a record 16.6 million viewers to the prime-time Sunday night results show, after which furious fans swamped the ITV show's website to vent their rage.

Having fought through five weeks of the singing contest with performances of Britney Spears' Oops, I Did it Again and the theme from the 1980s film Ghostbusters, the twins are rumoured to sing Queen's Radio Gaga on tonight's show.

Ebony Burnett, 24, of Emlen Street, Ipswich, said: “I have lost respect for Simon. So many people I know aren't going to watch it anymore because of him.”

Do you back Jedward? Or do you want to see the twins voted off the show? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Vox Pop:

Sarah Watson, 23, of Constable Way, Stowmarket, said: “Simon is a coward and a hypocrite.

“Every week he has said he doesn't want them there but now he has got what he wanted because everyone is talking about him.”

Petrice Dunn, 27, Pine View Road, Ipswich said: “The twins have absolutely no talent.

“It is a complete mockery when people like us are calling up to vote.”

Russell Geater, 74, of Redwing Close, Ipswich, said: “I think the twins are rubbish.

“They are over-the-top and they can't sing.”

Francesca Callan, 19, of Henny Close, Stowmarket, said: “It is not a singing contest, more a talent show.

“I don't think the twins should win at all.”

Becca Ottonello, 17, of High Street, Ipswich, said: “I feel really sorry for Jedward.

“They get booed all the time and it's not really their fault.

“I thought their performance last week was quite good.”

Kitty Addleby, 17, of Great Oakley, Essex, said: “I hate Jedward, they are awful.

“They have no talent and I think it is a fix.

“I think people are going to stop watching the show.”

Jedward Fastfacts:

John and Edward Grimes live with their parents in Dublin.

Their earliest memory of singing is when they joined their school choir at the age of 11.

When the twins were 14 years old they entered a school talent competition - competing against each other.

Edward topped the bill coming first in the competition with John securing third place.

The 18-year-olds once bumped into the Pussycat Dolls in a hotel bar in Dublin and serenaded the pop pin-ups.

The superstars invited them to an after party but the twins were too young to go along.

Jedward like to sing everywhere, on the bus, in shops, walking along the streets.

So far their band of celebrity fans include Robbie Williams, tennis ace Andy Murray, leader of the Conservatives David Cameron, Peaches Geldof and Pixie Lott, who is reported to want to write a song for them.