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The pair, dubbed Jedward, had controversially survived weeks of voting in the ITV show - despite critics' bitter attacks on their singing.

But last night they were voted out after an agonising sing-off against Essex hunk Olly Murs.

The Irish brothers, 18, murdered Boyzone's hit No Matter What, leaving show judges Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole cringing.

Talent guru Simon Cowell, who previously sparked fury by saving the duo from the axe, won CHEERS as he opted to ditch them before Dannii delivered the decisive vote.

And last night bookmakers said the decision had saved them from a £10million payout.

After the verdict, John told presenter Dermot O'Leary: "It's been kind of crazy, but Olly deserves to go though. I hope he and Stacey (Solomon) go all the way. We've been here week after week - singing live on TV. It's been amazing."

Farewell ... judges clap twins

ITV

Brother Edward said: "It's like deadly - probably the coolest place in the world to be."

The Irish twins' mentor Louis Walsh, who had chosen them a series of wacky songs including Ghostbusters and the Wham! Rap, said: "I've had the best time working with them. They've made me feel young again."

He added: "All the fun has gone from The X Factor now they've gone."

Cowell, who had warmed to the pair as the weeks passed, told them last night: "I'm actually going to miss you. I am."

The night before, after they sang George Michael's I'm Your Man, he had said: "I think Louis is making you do too much.

"He's turned you into his version of Action Man dolls.

"You've had a lot of stick, including from me at the start, but you have converted a lot of people. You are like an unstoppable machine at the moment."

Geordie Cheryl said last night: "Boys, I really loved you over the past few weeks. You're great kissers. I'm sad to see you go."

Delight ... Lloyd with Cheryl

ITV

After it was announced they were out, the judges gave Jedward a respectful standing ovation.

Olly, 25 - one of the show favourites - said he was "a bit gutted" to be in the bottom two.

But he clinched a place in the next stage with a polished performance of Eric Clapton's ballad You Look Wonderful Tonight.

Before the results of the public vote were announced, Cowell had predicted that either John and Edward or Welsh student Lloyd Daniels, 16, would be out.

Last night Gary Burton, of bookies Coral, said: "Phew! We've been sweating on the results each week, but with them gone we can enjoy the competition without the huge liability to worry about."

David Williams, of Ladbrokes, said Joe McElderry was the new 5/4 favourite to win.

Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle and pop diva Mariah Carey both performed on the show.

It was also announced that X Factor charity single You Are Not Alone had gone to Number One.