Meet Simon Cowell's nightmare: X Factor twins John and Edward who have zero tale

Likability factor: John and Edward's cheesy charm has proved a hit, while Danyl has been branded a 'bully' by his detractors

Similarly, Jade Goody made more money than any other Big Brother contestant. It's not hard to deduce that reality show history proves it is more important to be memorable than it is to be talented.

'John and Edward could easily make a million pounds in a year after this,' says music industry expert Gennaro Castaldo of HMV. 'I can see them having a huge commercial future, in panto, on kids shows and advertising.'

Many argue that the twins only got on to the show because, like Louis, they are Irish. But the Irish can't vote to keep them in. No, there are millions of genuine X Factor fans desperate to see what they will get up to next.

The boys are no stage school brats. Until the X Factor started, they were studying for the equivalent of A-levels at The Institute of Education, a private school in Dublin.

Those who knew them before their fame are struggling to recognise the boisterous but polite boys they remember. Jim D'Arcy, their school principal, says: 'I think their persona on the show must be a bit staged because they're not arrogant, but it is getting them a lot of publicity.'

(Edit:Ruby)