SO, Middlesbrough brothers Journey South didn't take the X factor crown. But they have proved fine ambassadors for the region.

Unlike other reality TV stars, the likeable lads did not get many inches in the tabloid press because they were just ordinary working class boys, doing what they do best.

They even melted iceman Simon Cowell who admitted he was gutted when the duo was pipped at the post.

In fact, Cowell said that the brothers - Andy and Carl Pemberton from Coulby Newham - were the nicest people he had ever known.

We gather that the lads had their ups and downs playing the tough North-East club circuit and had even considered giving it all up six months ago.

So today, we salute their determination - and versatility. During the 12-week show, they always managed to pull something out of the bag and once, even helped fix the studio lights when they fused.

We know there have been many one-hit wonders but we are sure this is not the last we have heard of Journey South.

And talking of wonders, what about ex-Yorkshire cricket star Darren Gough. Didn't he do well?

Ten weeks ago he could hardly put one foot in front of the other on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.

But with his partner Lilia Kopylova, the England cricketer proved a real fast pacer, each week improving by leaps and bounds.

Big guy Goughy, 35, saw off the favourite, athlete Colin Jackson, to take the crown held by Gateshead-born former EastEnder Jill Halfpenny.

So if you think the days of reality TV are numbered, think again. A staggering 20 million people tuned in to watch the finals.