Will Journey South have the X-Factor?

ITV’s national talent show The X-Factor attracted a record 75,000 applications. They have now been whittled down to a final 12, who will compete for the public vote for the first time this Saturday. One of the acts, male singing duo Journey South, are hoping for huge support from the North-East, as they are both from Middlesbrough.

Journey South are Carl Pemberton, 24, and older brother Andrew, 29, from Coulby Newham. Their parents Genda and Trevor, both 53, will be in the live audience in London this weekend, along with eight other family members and friends.

Genda has worked a catering assistant in the CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) coffee bar at the University of Teesside for the last three years. She said: “It’s so strange seeing my lads on television. We sat down as a family to watch last year’s X-Factor, talking about the acts and now they’re on it! I’m over the moon that they’ve reached the finals, but I’m going to feel tense during the results show. Particularly as it’s Carl’s birthday. Whatever happens, I’ll be coming home on Sunday for work.”

The University connection doesn’t end with Genda, as the duo performed in the University’s Students’ Union six years ago as part of their previous band, The Answer. After trying for success in London, they returned to the North-East and performed mainly at weddings around the region.

Dad Trevor is a retired ICI process operator. He works with his sons at weddings, by playing records at ‘The Sam Plank’ disco after their act. He said: “I think this is really good for Middlesbrough. To get down to the final 12 from 75,000 is amazing. I feel like we’re living a dream. They’re not just my sons, they’re more like mates.”

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