The proud dad of X Factor twins, John and Edward, has told the Daily Star that his boys won’t be cowed by “bullies”.

John Snr told the paper how the boys were taunted as children because of their extrovert characters and “wacky clothes”.

And responding to the news that there are ‘hate’ groups on Facebook – which contain such worrying comments from the site’s visitors, it may be closed down amid security concerns – John Snr said, “Some of the things said were vicious and as parents it knocks you for six..

“There’s been booing and that’s tough because they’re so young. The first week the boys were on the show they were shocked at all the hate campaigns on the internet.

“But they’ve grown in confidence now – they take it with a pinch of salt. They haven’t been reduced to tears and I’d be surprised if they were.

“They were born to do this but at the same time they know it’s entertainment and don’t take it too seriously. They’re determined to enjoy it.”

A source from John and Edward’s hometown on the outskirts of Dublin told the paper, “They were bullied almost every day because they didn’t fit in.

“When everyone else was in tracksuit bottoms and trainers, they were in matching suits and ties.

“They even turned up to play football wearing skintight jeans and shiny shoes. They’ve always had the big hair too.”

However, Harvey Kindblom, a John and Edward fan who was interviewed outside the X Factor house, told the paper, “I love the twins – they are really nice and they come out and talk to us.

“They can’t sing or dance very well but they are great entertainment. I know they’re not the best but I think they should win.”

That just about sums up what fans of Jedward feel about them. What say you? Should the twins stay in the show and do they have any chance of winning?