X Factor twins John and Edward were mobbed by screaming fans outside The X Factor house in London on Tuesday.

Two police officers were forced to hold guard as the Dublin brothers greeted a crowd of 50-strong teenagers.

The scene was reminiscent of Beatlemania as fans handed the pair custom-made banners and scrambled to have their pictures taken with their idols.

John and Edward are mobbed by X Factor fans in London.

John and Edward were initially outsiders for the crown but covers of Britney Spears and Ricky Martin hits have made them favourites to win the show.

Their rapid rise, which saw them win the most votes on Saturday's show, is understood to have angered X Factor supremo Simon Cowell.

John and Edward emerge from the X Factor house in London.

Agent Jonathan Shalit told The Sun newspaper it would be the musical mogul's “worst nightmare” if they won the show.

Jedward's mentor Louis Walsh added: "They're young, they're fun and they have the likeability factor, which is what this show is all about.”