Jedward mania gripped Dublin as hundreds of excited fans gathered in a bid to catch a glimpse of their X Factor heroes on their one-day, whistle-stop visit home.

Supporters mobbed Superquinn on Newcastle Road in Lucan after the rumour mill went into overdrive suggesting the quiff-haired duo (18) would appear for an impromptu meet and greet with locals.

Clad in school uniforms and clutching autograph books, it was an emotional rollercoaster for the Grimes' loyal friends and "biggest fans" as news of their alleged whereabouts changed by the nanosecond, placing them everywhere from Brown Thomas and the O2 arena to Dublin airport and Rathangan Boys National School, which they attended as youngsters.

Niamh Boylan, PR manager of Superquinn, revealed: "They are hugely popular. It's unfortunate there was no truth in the rumour. We would love to welcome them home in the future, whether they come back as winners or not."

The pair jetted in for one night only to shoot homecoming scenes for this weekend's X Factor in a military-like, tight-lipped operation, causing a media scramble.

Jedward cakes, on sale for €9.99, kept fans amused as they waited but as darkness set in and temperatures dropped, most accepted their beloved budding superstars were not going to show after earlier appearances at UCD and The Institute of Education on Leeson St.

Chloe Dowling (11), from Lucan, told the Herald: "I was so excited to see them but I don't mind that they didn't show up because they are probably really busy."

Her older sister Shauna, a pal of the twins, said she hoped word would reach the twins regarding the huge turnout and tipped them to go all the way.

"I met them months ago and they sang for me and I can definitely confirm that they can actually sing. They should stop dancing for one week because it would give them the chance to prove their vocal ability."

Friends Darragh Tvite (18) and Stephen Fitzpatrick (18), from Blanchardstown, said: "We met them in January with the Pussycat Dolls at the Morrison Hotel. We waited outside with John and Edward for seven hours to meet them. When they came out the twins sang for them and gave them their autographs, so the Pussycat Dolls actually have John and Edward's autographs."

aanderson@herald.ie

- Aoife Anderson