SATURDAY night's X Factor television talent show is the talk of the country

And the North-East really has something to talk about as brothers Andy and Carl Pemberton - performing under the name Journey South - prepare for their first live show tonight alongside the final 12 acts.

Singer-songwriters Andy and Carl have spent the past ten years looking for their big break.

After giving up their jobs for the love of music, the pair, from Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, headed to London, and even lived in a caravan for a while as they sought their big break.

Their devotion alone should have given them a chance at fame, but the pair ran aground, despite dozens of gigs at restaurants and functions.

Even a showcase event, which the brothers were told would be attended by industry experts, failed to lead to fame and fortune.

But pop hard-man Simon Cowell gave Andy and Carl glowing feedback last week, giving them hope that stardom could be just around the corner.

As former electrician Andy, 29, and Carl, who is 25 today, prepare for tonight's live ITV1 show, their proud parents headed for the capital to be in the audience.

Dad Trevor, 53, said his sons have been performing together for ten years and says they've certainly got the X Factor.

He said: "The lads have not had a real chance to show their full potential yet - but Simon Cowell has already given them high praise.

"Tonight's show will be a birthday to remember for Carl and, when they perform, the whole country will be voting for them.

"I have every faith in my boys and, after ten years of knock-backs, this is definitely their time."

Carl, who decided to leave for London before completing a plumbing apprenticeship, was given his first guitar at the age of 11.

Mum Genda, 53, who works part-time at a student caf at Teesside University, said music has always been in their blood. She said: "They've both loved music from the word go. And even their teachers at school noticed their talents."

The former Acklam Grange school pupils were given touching final remarks from mentors at the Middlesbrough school, including one which read: "Once you got going, you became worth knowing, your art is in your music, Get on down and blues it. PS Keep in touch and let me know when you've reached the top."

Their first gig together was at Middlesbrough's live band hotspot Dr Browns nine years ago, when the live music bug bit them.

Andy and Carl decided to set off for London in search of the bright lights in 2000 and bought a caravan to live in. But, after two years, the brothers got homesick and returned to the North-East.

Without giving up all hope, they put themselves up for hire at weddings and in the first year played at more than 20 venues.

They became so popular that word spread around Middlesbrough and surrounding towns and last year they performed at more than 40 wedding receptions.

One gig in particular saw Andy rise from the groom's chair at his own wedding, held last May at Hardwick Hall, in Sedgefield, County Durham, to belt out U2's hit One.

Wife Michelle, 28, will be in the audience tonight with the rest of the family.

The song the pair will sing has been kept under wraps, and the boys will have 70 seconds to perform to the nation.

* X Factor is on ITV1 tonight at 6pm and 8.35pm.