X Factor twins John and Edward Grimes are being lined up by celebrity agent Max Clifford as their popularity soars.

The quiff-haired duo are expected to add some serious zeros to their bank accounts when they eventually leave the contest and could make anything upwards from €100,000, thanks to their huge profile in Britain.

The Herald can reveal how agent-to-the-stars Max Clifford has even expressed an interest in signing up the cheeky pair, given their huge marketability.

The fact that they have managed to stay in to the halfway point of the contest has astounded all their detractors -- and now the Lucan locals are set to continue their assault on the limelight.

"Like them or loathe them, these are the guys that everyone's talking about in this year's competition," said a programme insider.

"They have been inundated with offers of magazine deals, TV appearances and interview requests. Everyone wants to know every detail about them and this is only the start of it.

"They may not be the best singers in the contest but there's no doubting they are the unexpected stars of it, they are claiming all the attention."

The pair have continued to win over audiences every week, despite being victims of a savage internet campaign and being at the receiving end of Simon Cowell's blunt tongue.

But even claims that they are only there for the novelty factor and they're somewhat lacking in the vocal department would not deter anyone from signing them up for big-money deals.

"Everyone knows who they are now and it's all about entertaining people at the end of the day and that's what this pair are doing. They have a huge future ahead of them in something like children's TV presenting or endorsing products for the youth market," she continued.

"After all, they're young, good looking and their profile is huge -- they have performed in front of 15 million people after all. Most importantly, they're squeaky clean in terms of their image and that makes them hugely marketable in advertising and media terms."

This Saturday will see the cheeky chaps performing the monster Ray Parker Jnr hit Ghostbusters for movie week, as they fight to say in the competition another week.

Last Sunday's show saw the live audience bursting into another chorus of boos when presenter Dermot O'Leary announced they were saved from eviction.

But despite all the criticism, the two twins have been continuing to win over fans in high places, including Queen star Brian May.

He gave the teenagers' performance of the band's hit We Will Rock You the big thumbs up and they have also garnered a horde of celebrity supporters including Bob Geldof's daughter Peaches Geldof and Robbie Williams.

mfinn@herald.ie

- Melanie Finn