X Factor twins John and Edward Grimes are said to be seeing counsellors after the public backlash against them left the pair ‘close to breaking point.’

A source told Now magazine: “They were already getting so much hate mail the show’s bosses stopped them from seeing it.

“It was bad enough when people were angry that they always seem to be on last, which is seen as the most memorable spot if you want viewers to vote for you.

“Then Simon Cowell made matters even worse by doing a dramatic U-turn and taking it to deadlock to keep them in.”

They added: “The twins used to just say how much they were enjoying themselves and seemed to be in a world of their own, but it’s finally getting to be too much. They were tearful and they’ve had sleepless nights.

“They’re afraid of being outside the X Factor bubble because they think the public hate them so much. They’re only 18 and the strain is showing.”

Do you feel sorry for the boys? Leave your comments below.