Former Pop Stars: The Rivals competitors, The Cheeky Girls have blasted X Factor’s John and Edward Grimes, saying that they will never have a career like them.

In an act of supreme hypocrisy, Monica told The Sun: “They’ll never have a song on the radio like us. Without all the dancers around them, John and Edward would not be so attractive. There is a lot of smoke and mirrors.

“Our fan base is much wider. Fans of all ages listen to our songs. They don’t even have a proper name.”

Gabriella said: “They can’t really sing – they’re totally out of tune. But they have the best stage set-up out of the whole show – the best outfits, dancers, lights, props…

“It draws all the attention from them, instead of focusing on the real talent and the real singing and dancing. It is not fair towards all the other acts.”

She added: “Please don’t compare us to the twins.

“They are not like us except that they’re biological twins. We have been performers since we were four.

“They’re not a novelty act, we’re a novelty act. A novelty act must have something new. They don’t.”

The girls added that they are backing single mum Stacey to win.

Gabriela said: “Stacey has the best voice and the best character. She’s definitely an original. She has so much personality.

“People are voting for the twins for fun. They should vote for the real talent. Vote for Stacey, the twins have had their moment.”