X FACTOR fever has hit the West Country with tickets going on sale this month for two of the most controversial acts to appear on the talent series.

Welsh classically-trained singer Rhydian Roberts and bubbly siblings Same Difference are coming to Plymouth Pavilions next year.

Rhydian came second in the competition last year and Same Difference were hot on his heals in third place, both acts losing out to Scottish teenager and ballad singer Leon Jackson.

Rhydian was always an unlikely candidate for the show. He won a scholarship to Birmingham City University's Conservatoire to study music, where his talent and commitment was recognised with the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Bursary for Young Singers, the Reginald Vincent Lieder Prize and the Mario Lanza Educational Award.

By his second year he was already performing in professional operas and musicals in Birmingham.

His self-titled album has been almost a year in the making.

"We wanted to make something timeless, full of great songs, not just an X Factor tribute," he said.

The lead track on the album is The Impossible Dream which Rhydian performed live on X Factor last week.

Pop duo Same Difference have also been working on their debut album and have just released their first single We R One.

Sean, 23, and his sister Sarah, 19, travelled to Europe to work with those best educated in pop wizardry including Quiz Larossi, who have worked with artists Diana Ross, Westlife and Shayne Ward, and Pete Waterman, who has worked with Kylie, Bananarama and Steps.

Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Rhydian will be performing at Plymouth Pavilions on Saturday, May 9. Tickets cost from £22.50.

Same Difference will be performing on Friday, March 13. Tickets cost £23.50. Call the box office on 0845 146 1460.