X Factor sees French ‘Jedward’

X FACTOR judges were to be confronted by the Parisian equivalent of Jedward on tonight’s show – twins who tackle Lady Gaga.

French brothers Samir and Mehdi jetted in to try to win a place on the show with their “infectious” performance lapped up by judge Cheryl Cole.

Last year, Irish twins John and Edward Grimes became a surprise hit with viewers with their wonky vocals, huge quiffs and over-the-top routines.

But show boss Simon Cowell – who fought against the Jedward phenomenon – was less than enamoured with the idea of a repeat.

Parisian duo Twem said their act was named after the Arabic term for twins.

The show was to feature auditions from Dublin and London, with Katy Perry sitting in for then-pregnant Dannii Minogue.

Hopefuls were to include Mary from Dublin who works on a checkout at a branch of Tesco, where she practises her songs.

“I have to be told to shut up by the staff,” she said.

And her performance of Shirley Bassey’s This is My Life was to impress the panel, as well as the audience.

Teenage waitress Sadbh, girl group Sugar Bullet, hairdresser Rebecca and boy bands Reason and Temple Fire were to be among the other acts set to appear.