JOHN and Edward Grimes rose to prominence through the TV series The X Factor in 2009 and have not only conquered the pop charts around the world but also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and represented their native Ireland twice in the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Doing Eurovision was a really cool thing because up until then we were only really known in the UK,”

John tells me, “It was really cool. It gave people the opportunity to find out about Jedward. Since then we’ve done tours in Germany Sweden, Estonia Finland and Romania… “Its been a really good learning experience, everything after that was no big deal because we’d been watched by so many people. There were so much nerves appearing on stage in front of millions of people after that when we did the morning shows and Daybreak it was like yeah, we’ve got this…”

The duo have come a long way since their X Factor days which John likens to “being at college, but on TV” but the pair have nothing but praise for their original mentors Simon Cowell, Louie Walsh and Danni Minogue: “They always gave us a chance,” remembers Edward, “They were always cool and talked about us in interviews.”

I wonder if working together as brothers can be difficult. “I think its good working together,”says Edward, “we kind of get each other.”

Do they ever fight? “No, I don’t think so!” responds Edward. “We have a boxing ring at the back and prior to each concert we have a full on fight,” laughs John, “I always win I’m like the heavyweight champion at the moment and Edward needs to win the world title off me.”

Jedward’s playful popularity has endeared them to many fans since storming the charts with their version of Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby. They have since released three albums Planet Jedward, Victory and Young Love. Many of the songs featured on the albums will be heard when the duo play St David’s Hall in Cardiff on September 30.

“We love been in Wales, says Edward, “it’s always really cool and welcoming.

The last concert we had there 18 months ago was crazy.” Do the boys ever get to see much of the area?

“We love getting gifts from fans and souvenirs from the area,” says Edward. “We learn things about the area before the concert. We’ll go into town and chill out.”

"Don’t you ever get recognised?”I ask, “Always,” laughs John,” even if we had a hat or a mask on they recognise the way we walk. Everybody knows it’s Jedward”.

It’s apparent John and Edward have a high regard for their fans, “We tour with what we want to do and always have the support of the public and our fans,” says Edward, “No matter what we do they are always there to cheer us on.”

John tells me their current tour will feature much in the way of feel good songs, slow songs and dance songs. He’ll also be accompanying his brother on acoustic guitar for some quieter numbers. His enthusiasm is bubbling over when he sends a personal message to Jedward fans: “We want you to come to our show its going to blow your mind- it’s unbelievable.”

Catch Jedward at St David’s Hall on September 30. For ticket information contact 029 2087 8444