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You haven't really made it in the entertainment industry until you've got your very own conspiracy theory, so X Factor twins John and Edward should be rejoicing after rumours emerged that there is a secret plot to help them win.
We've taken a look at several of the conspiracy theories and tried to get to the truth behind them...
Conspiracy 1: The twins had two auditions
Footage from an Irish TV show, featured in today's Sun, has revealed that the twins auditioned in London three days before their Glasgow audition that was featured in the series. This revelation has led some fans to claim that the producers hand-picked the duo to win this year's series.
The truth?
Due to the high volume of contestants wanting to take part in The X Factor each year, the hopefuls must first audition for the show's producers before facing the judges. An X Factor spokesperson confirmed this in a statement, saying: "They did a pre-audition in London then were asked to audition for the judges." No conspiracy there then.
Conspiracy 2: The running order was changed on Saturday to benefit the twins
The Daily Star has reported that the running order was changed at the last minute before Saturday night's live show in order to boost the twins' chances of making it through to the following week. It's well known that acts who perform first often have a disadvantage because voting lines don't open until the end and viewers often vote for perfomances that are fresh in their mind.
The truth?
An X Factor spokesperson confirmed: "The order was changed, but this has happened before. Often after a rehearsal, producers may decide to alter the order to change the pace of the show or for technical reasons. The fact that John and Edward sang towards the end means nothing". We think it's likely John and Edward were moved as part of a ratings decision. They have quickly become the act that everyone wants to see and holding them back until closer to the end will keep viewers watching. Anyone else notice how many times Dermot plugged them as 'coming up next' during Saturday's show?
Consiracy 3: Simon Cowell is a massive John and Edward fan and has plotted for them to win since June
Could Simon Cowell's 'I hate those twins' routine be a massive bluff? Insiders have claimed that Simon and fellow judge Louis have been planning to whip the public into a frenzy over John and Edward ever since their first audition. Westlife's Shane Filan has fuelled this speculation by revealing that Simon showed him footage of the boys back in June and said 'they're going to be massive'.
The truth?
As the man who launched Zig and Zag's music career, Simon Cowell has never been one to let a poor vocal performance stand in the way of a hit record. As a savvy businessman, he will also be keen to maximise on the twins' mania that is sweeping the nation so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he plans to turn them into stars. His whole 'twins are a nightmare' act could be part of a plan to get people to vote for the duo simply to annoy him, therefore keeping them in the show. However, while he may want them to reach the final in order to keep ratings high, we don't think he would actually want them to win as it would turn the whole show into a farce. Would he be happy for the twins to represent the best new UK music talent with a performance on American Idol? We don't think so. However, this is definitely the most plausible of the theories put forward.
Meanwhile, it's been reported that the twins will perform the theme from Ghostbusters on Saturday night's show. Be afraid.
Let us know what you think about the conspiracy theories - do you believe any of them?
- More TV: What's on later? | The X Factor | Strictly Come Dancing
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User comments
If Simon had decided to hand-pick two people to whip the public up into a frenzy, I'm sure he could have found people who were better at singing and dancing - I'm sure he could have walked into any stage school in the country and found two such people on the spot! That's not to say I don't like Jedward - I do, they're great fun, but I doubt Cowell would want to damage the credibility of X-Factor by allowing the victory of two boys who are clearly less talented than the other contestants!
Posted by: march_hare1977 on Tue Nov 03 01:11PM | Report abuseI would sugeest the whole programme was s@#$%ped and we started having good up to date films on instead, its about time we got away from reality tv
Posted by: robertsteed123 on Tue Nov 03 01:20PM | Report abuseJedward are a joke. Please, moronic X factor voters, just vote for who is best and not the ones you want to keep in to annoy people (Simon). Even if they win, they'll dead, buried and forgotten about within 6 months anyway.
Posted by: graeme.piper2 on Tue Nov 03 01:21PM | Report abuseI just want them off the show. That's all. Nothing deep or profound or conspiracy, just want them off the show. As presenters they're in wit the big bucks.
Posted by: unathibackpacker on Tue Nov 03 01:23PM | Report abuseWas X factor becoming a bit tired and dated and therefore losing viewers? if so this Jedward controversy has renewed interest/talk/speculation in the programme. Whatever I or anyone else thinks of Simon Cowell he is very astute - dont watch it but I am sure the ratings must have improved.
Posted by: kathyhayes294 on Tue Nov 03 01:24PM | Report abusekick them out
Posted by: shellysmith773 on Tue Nov 03 01:26PM | Report abuseCouldnt care less. Its all about Simon Cowell anyway and not the contestants. More fool the people for voting making the Judges and ITV richers.
Posted by: markspence03 on Tue Nov 03 01:26PM | Report abuseThey should stick to squeezing bees for their honey - It's not the same as money but OK.
Posted by: olliep_1977 on Tue Nov 03 01:26PM | Report abusethere no good
Posted by: boo240903 on Tue Nov 03 01:26PM | Report abuseDon't the Press love to invent problems where none exists! There is no conspiracy theory .... the public vote in the winners; nobody else. Get real.
Posted by: gillianosler on Tue Nov 03 01:26PM | Report abuse