During an interview with the Evening News about his latest projects the former Scalby School pupil revealed the contestants, dubbed "Jedward", are his favourites on the ITV show.

The Irish hopefuls have been at the centre of a public outcry this week after they were saved on Sunday night's results show at the expense of Welsh singer Lucie Jones.

Ben, who came fourth in the BBC's Any Dream Will Do contest and has starred in the hit show Hairspray in the West End, said: "I have been watching The X Factor this year. It is weird being on this side of the camera, knowing what they are going through on the show.

"People are going to hate me for saying it, but I really like John and Edward. They are fun.

"It is not their fault they are being perceived like this. They are just young lads, and I admire their courage. They have been put in this situation and they are handling it well.

"I don't want them to win, but I enjoy watching them."

Ben also revealed that he had previously mentored Lucie Jones, and had given her advice about being on The X Factor.

He said: "As part of Hairspray we did some masterclasses around the country. Lucie was at one of the workshops we held in Wales.

"I went back to Cardiff a couple of months later to do a big choir competition, and saw her again as she was singing in that. At that point she'd had her first X Factor audition but didn't know if she was going to get through.

"She is a lovely girl. It has been nice to see her on The X Factor and we often spoke on the phone. I gave her a few tips."

Ben's next big project, following on from playing Link Larkin in Hairspray, is his first professional pantomime when he will take the lead in Peter Pan at Hull.

Ben said: "I have done pantos when I was at the YMCA but that was amateur. This is my first professional one.

"I am looking forward to it, but it's going to be a challenge. I will be singing and dancing, and I've got to learn to fly. We only have a week to rehearse so it's going to be pretty full on, but it should be good.

"After that I have got a few things in the pipeline.

"I have been working on a pilot for a new TV show called Space Bar, which is going really well. It involves chatting to celebrities and getting the nitty gritty gossip. There are a few TV companies interested so that's promising.

"Also, the Hairspray tour is going out. They have approached me about it and I am seriously considering it, it will be a great tour."