George Shelley grew up surrounded by music. He was born in Bristol on 27 July 1993 – just one day less than a year after Josh! – and his nurse mum Toni decided to name her third son after one of the patients she’d bonded with. Even as a toddler, he couldn’t wait to start playing musical instruments and began singing as soon as he could talk. His mum would fill up bottles with uncooked rice so little George could turn them into maracas, and an early photo shows him as a cute toddler, with baby-blond hair and dimples, sitting proudly behind his Mickey Mouse drumkit. ‘George, even as a young boy, always wanted to join in and used to pretend he was playing on the drums, using a saucepan and a wooden spoon,’ Toni told the Bristol Post newspaper. ‘He has always been the sort of person who could pick up an instrument and play it – a talent he got from his granddad.’ George’s granddad, Dave, a retired policeman, was a real rock’n’roller, playing in many bands – he was to play an influential role in his grandson’s life.

George was born into a big family: he has two older brothers, Tom – who is his half-brother – and William. When George was nearly three, his little sister Harriet arrived. ‘I remember walking past my mum and dad’s room,’ he told Bliss magazine. ‘My mum told me to put my head on her belly and she said, “That’s your sister.”’ Sadly, after Harriet was born, George’s mum Toni and his dad Dominic split up. George stayed with his mum, living in a ‘really small house’ in Clevedon and going to Happy Hours Day Nursery. He then started at Backwell Infant School, moving on to Golden Valley Primary School and then Yeo Moor Junior School as his family moved house a lot. George was a smiley, sweet little boy and began showing an enthusiasm for the guitar, which his mum Toni also played, often performing at pubs, clubs and festivals with songs she’d written herself. The family wanted to encourage George to explore his musical talent, but they couldn’t afford to pay for lessons. So with some help from his granddad Dave, George began teaching himself to play guitar and was so excited when he got his own guitar for his 13th birthday. He spent hours honing his skills, practising chords and trying to learn his favourite pop songs, especially those by the Black Eyed Peas. ‘Where Is the Love?’ was one of his top tunes.

But George also had to deal with some difficult times, too. His brother Will, who had joined the Royal Marines, went off for his first tour of duty in Afghanistan when his little brother was only 13. George had to deal with the fact that Will was risking his life for his country, and that he might not see him again. ‘It was really hard knowing your big brother’s going out there fighting for his country and he might not come back,’ George told The X Factor, years later. And after starting high school, sensitive George found himself the victim of cruel bullies who ended up physically hurting him, just because he didn’t fit in. ‘I was 12 stone and really short. All the other boys loved football and I just wanted to play my guitar. I was always the last one picked because no one wanted the fatty who couldn’t run,’ he told the Daily Star Sunday. ‘The worst thing that happened was we were playing football and one of the kids purposefully kicked the ball as hard as they could right at me. I put my hands up to protect my face and ended up breaking my wrist.’

It was a nightmarish experience for George, who felt he was always a bit of a ‘loner’ at school. But after this traumatic experience, he transferred schools to Kings of Wessex in Cheddar, where he found his niche in the creative subjects. He even landed plum roles in school productions of Animal Farm and Much Ado About Nothing – as well as bagging his first kiss with a girl called Sandy! Meanwhile, his guitar playing went from strength to strength, and George performed in the Priddy Folk Festival near his home in Somerset, aged just 14. His dad Dominic was still an important part of his life. He spent as much time as possible at his dad’s house in Nottingham, where George was accumulating even more brothers and sisters! With his new partner Rowena, George’s dad Dom had three children – Leo, who came along in 2003; Archie, born in 2008, and little Spencer, born in 2011. Including George’s stepsisters Annabelle and Louisa, he now had a truly huge family! George adored his little siblings and they, in turn, looked up to their cool big brother in awe.

Creative George went on to study graphic design at Weston College, part of Bath Spa University, where he received distinctions for his work. During the holidays he earned extra cash working part-time in Costa Coffee. He expected that he’d follow a career in design, perhaps in America, after graduating from uni. Meanwhile, his older half-brother Tom emigrated to Australia, where he worked as a builder but was also a drummer in a band. Seeing his eldest brother follow his musical ambitions stirred something in George. He’d long harboured a secret dream no one knew about – that he wanted to follow a career in music, too. By now, he was really talented on the guitar and was able to pick out a tune on ‘anything from a bongo to a banjo’, according to his mum Toni. George also had a gorgeous singing voice, but modestly held back from pushing himself forward. But a devastating event in March 2011 changed his attitude. Toni, who’d been working as a nurse, felt very ill one day and went to hospital. There, she was diagnosed with a severe migraine and sent home – whereas, actually, she was having a stroke. Toni suffered a brain bleed, which left her with loss of feeling on her left side. She had to have surgery on her wrists as well after she developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a painful condition where the hands and fingers develop a dull ache and tingling sensation after a nerve is compressed. Having to leave her job and spend months recovering from a big health scare was traumatic for Toni and the rest of the family. Seeing his mum go through such a scary illness left its mark on George and he knew then that he should follow his heart.

Just a few months later, he was hanging out with Weston College friend Emily Tollner when they saw that The X Factor auditions would be coming to Cardiff. ‘Go on,’ urged Emily – it would be just a short journey away across the River Severn. Her encouraging words gave George the confidence boost he needed. And so, on a March day in 2012, he packed up his guitar, bought a train ticket and plucked up the courage. He was going to enter The X Factor.

The X Factor is the biggest show on UK television. Before then, Britain had had singing contests, like Pop Stars and Pop Idol – which Will Young won back in 2002 – but nothing quite like The X Factor had ever been seen before. From the moment the series hit TV screens in 2004, it became the biggest deal going. Millions of viewers tuned into the four-month-long series each year, which offered a million-pound record contract to the winner. Anyone over 16 could enter and have their chance of singing their way to superstardom. And thousands upon thousands did – in 2006 an incredible 200,000 wannabes auditioned for the show. By the time Union J were ready for their bite at the X Factor cherry, the show had made stars out of many of the winners – including Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Matt Cardle. Even those who hadn’t won the big prize found that X Factor exposure in front of millions of the viewing public had transformed their lives. JLS, Olly Murs, Stacey Solomon, Rebecca Ferguson and even joke band Jedward had all become hugely successful following their involvement in the show, but in 2012 the name on everyone’s lips was One Direction.

The five-piece boyband had been put together by The X Factor in 2010, after originally auditioning as solo singers. They ended up coming third overall, behind Rebecca Ferguson and outright winner Matt Cardle. But since then their success had eclipsed everyone’s wildest expectations. Not only did their debut single, ‘What Makes You Beautiful’, shoot to Number One in the UK, it went on to become an enormous hit in the US, too. With their debut album, Up All Night, selling in its millions across the globe, the boys were famous worldwide. They had become the first British group in American chart history to hit Number One with their debut album when it was released over there in March 2012 – and entered into the Guinness World Records as a result. As the boys from Triple J and George Shelley separately travelled to their first X Factor auditions, the papers and internet were full of One Direction’s international success. They internet truly global superstars, and their journey had begun this same way just two years before: travelling to an X Factor audition alongside thousands of other hungry would-be superstars. In the back of their minds the boys must have wondered if this would end up being their big break – Josh and Jaymi in particular, as they’d been in a few boybands in the past that hadn’t worked out. Would Triple J be the answer? They hoped and prayed it would be.

Behind the success of the X Factor lay Simon Cowell – the music-mogul-turned-reality-show-TV-judge. He’d come up with the idea after becoming famous in the UK through Pop Idol, and had turned The X Factor into the global brand it was. Notorious for his plain speaking and harsh put-downs of singers he felt were not up to scratch, Simon’s pantomime-baddie act hid a sharp business brain. He was a millionaire many times over thanks to his production company owning The X Factor and signing the winners to his own record label, Syco. The British public had a love/hate relationship with Cowell, but it was obvious that he had the magic touch with The X Factor. He had appeared as the main judge on the show since its start, originally alongside music managers Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne. Australian singer Dannii Minogue had been brought in as a fourth judge in 2007, and her fiery relationship with Sharon saw the wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne leave the next year – to be replaced by Cheryl Cole. This proved an amazing move for the Girls Aloud star, who became the nation’s sweetheart and also launched her own top solo career. But following the launch of The X Factor USA in 2010, both Simon and Cheryl left the show, followed by Dannii, who was focusing on her career in Australia. It was a big shock – three-quarters of the show’s judges had left. They were replaced by Take That’s star singer and songwriter Gary Barlow, N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos and Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland. With this brand-new line-up, the 2011 series of The X Factor faced more criticisms and controversies than usual, as viewers adjusted to this big change in the format. And it didn’t work out 100 per cent successfully, as ratings dropped from the last series in 2010, which had seen an amazing 19.4 million viewers tune in for the final.

Both Triple J and George had made it through the first, early rounds of auditions, which were held without the famous judges being present. Luckily for Josh, Jaymi and JJ, this was the first year when acts with management deals were able to audition – in previous years they would have been prevented from entering. Now, in May 2012, they were heading for the judges’ auditions, held in huge arenas with an audience of thousands – and filmed by the TV cameras. It was a thrilling moment for the boys – but The X Factor was in turmoil. Gary, Tulisa and Louis – the only judge to remain in the series since it started – had all returned to the show, but Kelly Rowland had decided not to. The papers were full of speculation as to who might be replacing her – with names like Frankie from The Saturdays, Alesha Dixon and even Katy Perry being mentioned. But no one as yet had been signed as the new permanent fourth judge and instead a raft of ‘guest judges’ was lined up to appear. There was a chance that one of those judges could end up being a permanent fixture.

So, it was in front of Gary, Tulisa, Louis and pop star Rita Ora that a nervous line-up of three singers appeared on that fateful day. Wearing matching outfits of tan trousers, white T-shirts and trainers, and with their X Factor contestant stickers plastered over them, Triple J stepped out to immediate cheers and whistles from the audience at the O2 Arena. ‘Hello London!’ shouted Josh, whose hair was styled in a flat side-parting. ‘We’re Triple J!’ ‘And who’s with you today?’ asked Louis. ‘All our mums are backstage,’ indicated Jaymi, who wore a buttoned-up denim shirt over his T-shirt. ‘They’re more nervous than us, I think,’ joked Josh, to a ripple of laughter. ‘Off you go,’ said Louis. Triple J’s big moment had arrived.

The boys launched into a rendition of Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’. With their tight harmonies, well-practised vocals and confident stage presence, they were an immediate hit. With Josh taking the lead vocals, standing in the centre, and Jaymi and Josh providing perfect back-up, they were cool, relaxed and impressive. The judges raised their eyebrows in surprise, and Gary sat with a stunned smile on his face. Rita Ora bobbed her head along in time with the music. After watching a succession of disappointing acts over-promising and under-delivering, with the weird and wacky in there too, the judges looked delighted to be finally in front of an act displaying real musical talent.

Josh visibly breathed out in relief as the boys finished their song. They’d given it their all and, going by the rapturous reception from the audience, it had gone down well. But what would the judges think? Tulisa was impressed, pronouncing Triple J as the sort of boyband she liked – and that they were handsome boys, too. Josh pumped his fist in a ‘Yeah!’ Pop star Rita agreed, reckoning they’d be popular with a female fan base. With his years of success in Take That, first as a 1990s manufactured pop group and then with their resurgence in the last few years, older, wiser and with more hits than ever, Gary was the don of boybands. He shared his wisdom with Triple J, that they couldn’t just look the part, they had to have strong vocals too, and that they’d succeeded on that front. They couldn’t believe it and clasped each other’s shoulders as an emotional Jaymi wiped away a tear. It was four yeses from all the judges – a full house. Triple J pumped their fists with joy and ran off the stage, leaping about. Shouting and yelling their good news, they rushed backstage, where their families were waiting anxiously alongside presenter Dermot O’Leary. Giving them all bear hugs, they shared the good news – they were through to Bootcamp.

Unlike Triple J, George Shelley didn’t have the support of bandmates to boost him up as he walked onto the stage for his huge moment. The sweet 18-year-old looked terrified as he faced the biggest audience he’d ever performed in front of. Wearing a denim hoodie and beige trousers, and carrying his beloved guitar, he not only looked similarly dressed to Triple J, but his gorgeous looks also won the immediate attention and cheers of the audience. Tulisa quizzed the young singer about what he was up to in his life and George explained that he had a job in a coffee shop. Her next question was the crucial one: what was he going to sing to try to impress the judges. His answer wasn’t what anyone was expecting – it was ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears.It was an unusual choice – here was a teenage boy with an acoustic guitar, about to sing an electro-pop tune by a female superstar. Tulisa’s surprise was written all over her face as she urged him to start. It was clear she wasn’t quite expecting what was about to happen.

George went for it. Turning ‘Toxic’ into a quirky, up-tempo folky number, he was clearly a talented act. His voice was strong and confident as he won over the audience and played guitar expertly – all those hours of practice in his bedroom had paid off. Louis Walsh grinned through the performance, and the audience erupted in cheers as he finished. George gave a nervous half-smile as he awaited the verdict. The crowd loved it, and he could only pray the judges did, too. Louis was first in with the praise, highlighting George’s terrific voice and cute face. Gary was in with a yes, too, which Tulisa added to with another positive comment – he had definitely won the judges over. An overwhelmed George put his hands over his eyes as he grinned disbelievingly. It was straight offstage and back to his mum Toni, waiting patiently behind the scenes, for a big hug. He hadn’t told his family about his audition for the show at the beginning, being too shy to confess what he was doing. But since then he’d told his mum and family everything, and now they were there for his life-changing moment. This summer would be different from all the others so far – he was off to Bootcamp.

Olympic fever was about to hit the UK in that summer of 2012, and so for the first time ever Bootcamp would be held outside London, which was hosting the Games. Instead, The X Factor was heading for Liverpool for the serious business of auditioning the acts even further. Solo star and ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger had been confirmed as the permanent replacement for Kelly Rowland, and all four judges were determined that this year they would find the ‘next big international superstar’. The atmosphere was charged with tension and expectation. This would be an intense three days, where the 211 acts who’d got through to Bootcamp would be whittled down to just 25, who would then be going to Judges’ Houses. It was tough. Sixty acts didn’t even get the chance to sing again, being sent home from Bootcamp right at the start, their dreams destroyed without a second chance. There was no room for mistakes, or to let nerves take over. Every act there had to be at the top of their game.

In this hothouse environment, there was plenty of rivalry going on behind the scenes – everyone there knew that the person next to them might knock them out of the competition. But there were also friendships being forged, too – and one of them was between Triple J and George Shelley, who had met there for the first time. The three members of Triple J spotted the 18-year-old with the guitar and walked over to introduce themselves and to ask George to sing for them. ‘We bonded really, really strongly with George,’ Jaymi told This Morning many months later. For his own part, George hit it off big time with the friendly guys from Triple J and began wishing that he could become part of a band himself. ‘I came into X Factor hoping to be put into a group scenario,’ he said. ‘Especially after my first audition, I felt like I needed something around me.’

George’s hopes were raised when at Bootcamp he was put in a mixed band alongside fellow contestants Charlie Cammish and Meg O’Neill for the next stage of auditions. But despite a strong rendition of Labrinth’s ‘Earthquake’, it didn’t work out and George was sent home. It was a crushing disappointment – but at least he could take comfort from the fact that he’d got through so far on his first attempt. And he’d made some great friends, leaving Liverpool with Triple J’s numbers keyed into his mobile phone. Still, for George, it was back to his ordinary life, back to working as a barista in Costa Coffee and looking forward to the next uni term starting in September. He couldn’t help but imagine, however, what might have happened if he’d made it through.

Meanwhile, Triple J endured their own marathon to make it through to Judges’ Houses. They came on stage to perform their first song in front of the full panel of Nicole, Tulisa, Gary and Louis – and, of course, a huge cheering audience of thousands in Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Looking full of excitement and anticipation, and almost like a real pop group, JJ, Jaymi and Josh greeted Nicole. The upfront star wanted to know why these three boys thought they deserved to win. Already showing the leadership qualities that would see him become the ‘dad’ of Union J in the months to come, Jaymi spoke up, promising that Triple J weren’t like other boybands currently on the scene – they were unique. With fighting talk like that, the boys would have to impress.

They launched into a surprising song – a rendition of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’. Usually a full-on rock track not known for its melodious vocals, the Triple J boys turned it into a tightly harmonised number, walking around the stage and showcasing the confidence they had with each other. For the first time, Jaymi’s vocals came to the fore and he impressed the audience with his powerful, clear voice. Nicole thanked the boys for their performance, as JJ, Josh and Jaymi walked offstage into the audience and a huge cheering reception. The judges liked Triple J, but competition was beyond fierce to land a coveted spot at Judges’ Houses. They had to consider who was going through and who would be competing against them. Already, another group was standing out as one to watch as well as Triple J – another three-piece called GMD3.

The judges decided to put them head-to-head in the next stage of Bootcamp, where both groups would be singing ‘Moves Like Jagger’ at the same time. Louis prepped the two groups for their big moment before starting proceedings. As the familiar whistling introduction to the hit Maroon 5 song began, Triple J were stunned to see GMD3 start by doing backflips. It was a slick move that impressed the judges straight away – Triple J would have to make their vocals even more bang-on to compare with that. They gave it their all and sang their hearts out, but just halfway through the song, Gary raised his hands to bring them all to a stop. Louis explained what was happening – the judges were ready to confer. The Triple J boys huddled together as they strained to hear what the judges were saying beneath their breath. Gary was of the opinion that both bands were better than before, and Nicole and Louis were particularly impressed with one band, whose members had really left an impression on them. But who were they talking about, and who would be put through to the next stage?

Wearing a stripy grey shirt, Jaymi looked pained as he clasped his hands together and waited with the other two boys to hear the verdict. Louis revealed that the judges had come to a decision and that the band coming back tomorrow would be GMD3. Was this the end of Triple J’s dreams? They watched the other group happily leave the stage. Triple J pulled together, their hearts beating fiercely. But Louis wasn’t finished with his big reveal – Triple J would also be returning to the auditions tomorrow! Josh yelled in delight and the others gasped in disbelief. They vowed to the judges that they would give it their best and thanked them from the bottom of their hearts. Yet again, they ran offstage on a complete high, buzzing with possibility.

As Triple J inched their way through Bootcamp, there was one more final hurdle standing between them and Judges’ Houses. The standard of groups that year was high and already the judges had put a number of acts through – MK1, Times Red, Rough Copy, Mitsotu, Poisonous Twins and Duke. Now there was only one space left for another group and the judges were divided. They could see the merits of both Triple J and GMD3 and so reluctantly came to a harsh solution. Gathering both groups onstage, Gary broke the news, looking serious. He explained that, unbelievably, Triple J would again be pitched against GMD3 for the last remaining spot. Both groups would have to sing a cappella – without any backing track – and show the judges just how good they were. With only a minute to decide their song, Jaymi gripped his stomach with nerves, while Josh and JJ looked dumbstruck.

Adrenalin rushed through their veins as Triple J frantically discussed their song choice and tried to practise as much as they could in the few seconds available to them. As they were passed three microphones, Jaymi rubbed his face, the stress clear for all to see. Taking swigs of much-needed water, Josh urged his bandmates to do anything but make a mistake. Gary signalled that the time was right to begin and that it was Triple J first. The boys launched into a harmonious version of Chris Brown’s party anthem ‘Yeah 3x’. It was a clean, sharp version and GMD3 looked pale with nerves as they stared across at their rivals. Gary thanked the band sincerely, as the boys put their arms around each other. The next few minutes would be agony.

GMD3 chose to sing ‘Bless the Broken Road’ by country singer Rascal Flatts. Their vocals were sweet and perfectly in tune – Jaymi looked across, impressed by the other group. Josh crossed his arms, a deadly serious look on his face. GMD3 were storming it and there was no chance Triple J would be the clear winners in this sing-off. Although they tried to keep their expressions neutral, the judges were evidently impressed – especially Tulisa, who sat with her chin in her hands, gazing up at GMD3. They ended with a perfectly delivered melisma (packing a series of different notes into a single syllable) – it had been a great performance. Gary thanked the groups and asked for a few moments to make their decisions. The judges conferred again, with Nicole voicing her concerns that both groups were deserving of the spot. But it sounded as if there was no doubt in Tulisa’s mind, as she praised one particular group for moving her. With their eyes red-rimmed with tears, JJ, Jaymi and Josh pulled together to hear their fate.

Gary was apologetic as he delivered their verdict. Accepting that they had always been pitched against each other, it was going to be a hard moment when just one of GMD3 or Triple J would see it through to Judges’ Houses. And the name on his lips was … GMD3. That was it – Triple J were out! The tension and anxiety that had been rushing through them these past few days suddenly left, and the boys came back down to earth with a bump. Turning to congratulate their fellow group, the boys were resigned but grateful for the experience. Jaymi turned to mouth ‘thank you’ to the judges. Gary congratulated Triple J for their hard work, looking genuinely devastated to be sending home the three talented boys. They stumbled offstage in shock, with Jaymi only managing to utter a few words about how good GMD3 had been to a waiting Dermot. Josh’s emotions had overcome him and he was by now in floods of tears. Ever the optimist, Jaymi told the waiting cameras that this woudn’t be the end of the band – they were still going to chase their dream of pop success.

It had been their best shot, but now Triple J had been kicked out of The X Factor. As Josh, Jaymi and JJ gathered their bags and began the long journey home, they tried to come to terms with the crushing blow just dealt them. Perhaps Triple J wasn’t meant to be. And the fact was, it wasn’t. But though the boys didn’t know it then, soon enough they would be back on The X Factor – in an incredible twist to their line-up and name that would leave everyone amazed.

It was just an ordinary summer’s night for George Shelley when a phone call arrived that would change his life forever. The teenager was sitting at home in Clevedon, chatting with his mum, when his mobile rang. It had been a few weeks since George had suffered the disappointment of not making it through the Bootcamp phase of The X Factor, but he’d managed to put it to the back of his mind. Instead, he was focusing on going back to uni and moving on with his life. But as George’s mum Toni watched her son’s face go ‘taut’ as he took the phone call, she knew something was up. ‘It’s The X Factor on the phone,’ George mouthed at her, stunned. Indeed, it was one of the show’s producers, who asked if George would be interested in returning to the show. Circumstances had changed and they were now keen to see the talented West Country teenager once more. George couldn’t believe it. As he put the phone down, he explained to his mum: ‘I’ve got an hour to call them back with my decision. If I agree to go back, I’ve got to be in London tomorrow morning!’

It was a no-brainer – George and his mum decided to go to London for this out-of-the-blue opportunity. George didn’t know it then, but behind the scenes there had been a lot of interest in him since he’d left The X Factor, and the stars were about to align in his favour.

Triple J’s manager Blair Dreelan had spotted the handsome singer at Bootcamp and thought he had the potential to be developed into a solo star. After getting George’s details, he stayed in touch with him and decided to manage him – but then, spookily, The X Factor producers also contacted Blair about Triple J returning to the competition. Incredibly, a last-minute slot had opened up due to a visa issue with one of the groups, South London’s Rough Copy. The Judges’ Houses episodes were to be filmed mainly abroad, so Nigerian-born member Kazeem Ajobo had to apply for a visa to travel to the United States and then back to the UK. Unfortunately for Rough Copy, the application hadn’t been approved in time, so the band wouldn’t be able to travel and take part in the show. With days to go before filming was required to start, The X Factor producers convened an emergency meeting with Louis Walsh – who was to be the Groups mentor – to discuss who could replace Rough Copy. There were two groups who’d stood out in the Irish mogul’s eyes: Triple J and Times Red. ‘When Rough Copy left, I found it difficult to choose between two groups to fill their place. In the end, I invited boyband Triple J to come to Judges’ Houses, but still felt that, as I’d lost such a strong group in Rough Copy, I wanted to make sure the category was the best it could possibly be,’ he told the Mirror. ‘I asked Gary, Nicole and Tulisa if they minded if I took a seventh act. They were happy as they felt they’d got the right six acts for their Judges’ Houses trips, so I asked Times Red to come along and they said yes.’

Producers quickly got in touch with Blair Dreelan to see if Triple J would be able to return to The X Factor – but they had another suggestion as well. Louis had felt that the band would benefit from adding another member to the line-up, and they already had someone in mind. Blair explained to Sugarscape.com that The X Factor suggested putting a fourth member into his group. Initially unsure of this idea, Blair was amazed when producers told him who they were thinking of to take this fourth spot. It was the same George Shelley that he knew and was now managing – what were the chances in a competition where 180,000 people had auditioned? It seemed like fate to Blair and so he accepted their suggestion.

The X Factor and Blair prepped the Triple J boys for what was about to happen – they were going to become a four-piece! The boys were chuffed – after all, they’d met George at Bootcamp and already hit it off with him. Jaymi had even shown Blair a picture of George, telling him how he thought he looked amazing. He’d then used his computer skills to scan in George to a line-up of Triple J, unwittingly predicting what would really happen to the band in real life when they became Union J. Triple J’s manager sensed that their personalities would mesh well, but with only a few days before they were due to go to Judges’ Houses, time was of the essence. The boys spent the next four days getting to know each other and practising their singing for the competition. It was a whirlwind time: just a few days before, they had thought their X Factor dreams were finished, and now they were about to return for a second chance at a place in the live shows with an extra member, in a doubly shocking twist.

It was a thrilling time for the newly formed band, who hit it off as a foursome straight away. ‘When they suggested it, it made sense,’ the boys told We Love Pop magazine. ‘When George came along, it wasn’t a big deal, as we were literally all so new to each other anyway.’ It was a second chance at The X Factor that none of them had been expecting after their bruising Bootcamp experience, and they were ready to take it on. After telling their families this exciting news, the boys began packing for the mystery destination. But one more thing needed to be sorted out before they could leave: a new name. Obviously, they couldn’t be ‘Triple J’ any more. Instead, the boys put their heads together and came up with an idea – they would take the name ‘Union Jack’ and shorten it to ‘Union J’, representing all their names. Although George’s name began with a G, it had a similar sound. As Jaymi pointed out later, even when they tried to change it to the Spanish spelling of George – Jorge – it wouldn’t work, because that was pronounced ‘Hor-hay’! And so Union J were born and they immediately released their first statement to the media. ‘We couldn’t believe it when we got the call about going to Judges’ Houses, and of course we jumped at the chance,’ they said. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’re so happy to be a four-piece, too. The group feels so right together – it feels like we’ve been together for years!’

It was time for the groups to discover who was to mentor them and where they were going. Firstly, waiting at the airport, they discovered their destination – Las Vegas! The boys and the six other groups boarded their plane and spent the long journey across the Atlantic full of nerves and expectation. However, they also used the time to their advantage, practising harmonies and singing – after all, they’d only had a few days together so far, and this was an incredible opportunity to potentially make their dreams come true. Arriving in the dazzling American city, they all headed to Caesars Palace hotel and casino to find out who was going to mentor them. Pulling up in a white stretch limo, it was Louis Walsh! The longest-serving X Factor judge, Louis was also a seasoned manager of boybands, having driven both Boyzone and Westlife to huge success. He explained to the waiting wannabes that although there were seven of them in front of him, there was only room on the show for three acts – less than 50 per cent. The bands making it through would be the ones who impressed Louis by committing themselves fully to the competition the next day. Accompanying him was Sharon Osbourne, the former X Factor judge and a renowned music manager in her own right. Her advice was also deadly serious – the groups there had the chance for the biggest break of their life. In the setting of Las Vegas, where superstars from around the world performed, they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As if the groups needed reminding. Meanwhile, the other acts gathered in different corners of the globe to sing for their lives. Gary Barlow was at the grand Boughton House in Northamptonshire with the Over-28s, where Cheryl Cole came to offer advice. Nicole Scherzinger took her Boys to Dubai, with Ne-Yo as her second-in-command. Lastly, Tulisa took her Girls all the way to St Lucia, where Tinie Tempah helped her choose.

But for Union J over in Nevada, there wasn’t any time to relax in the opulent surroundings of their hotel or to enjoy the thrills of the Las Vegas Strip – soon they would perform for the first time ever as a group, and this performance was to seal their fate for good. Now the pressure was on more than ever. George could barely comprehend that in just ten minutes, they would be performing in front of the judges. As the boys sat in the hotel, Jaymi mused on the turnaround in their fortunes – just a few days ago they hadn’t even been together as a four-piece and now they had the chance to make it happen. It was clear they were still overwhelmed by what had happened to them. Fortunately the boys had bonded very quickly and, despite going through a ‘rollercoaster’ four days, they already knew that they had a brilliant rapport. They were so tightly connected, they felt like brothers. Although Triple J had been a great group, Jaymi knew that as a four-piece they could take on the world.

Finally, the boys strolled down the steps onto the hotel rooftop. It was night-time and the shimmering lights of Las Vegas below proved a dramatic backdrop to Union J’s first ever performance. Louis and Sharon sat forward on a luxurious white sofa, keen to listen as the boys, dressed for the warm weather in T-shirts and long shorts, steeled themselves. Louis quizzed the boys on what this chance would mean to them – if they made it through. Josh earnestly declared that it would be the best thing ever – returning home after their last disappointment had been crushing. Now they had a second chance at their dream. George shook his head, trying to take in this surreal situation. It was time for Union J to perform as Louis asked them to start.

This was their moment. George began gently strumming his guitar and Josh started singing the first few bars of Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Call Me Maybe’, an up-tempo dance track that had been everywhere in 2012. The boys slowed it right down and turned it into a sweet, romantic song, complete with stunning harmonies. Louis and Sharon leaned forward on their sofa, ears pricked up once they realised they were hearing something special. As the boys got into the song, their confidence grew and they started to smile and enjoy themselves. This positivity proved infectious and the savvy, seen-it-all-before Sharon began to smile as well. She and Louis looked at each other and nodded – this was going well. Louis thanked the group as the boys finished, sounding surprised at how faultlessly this brand-new boyband had performed together. Dermot O’Leary, who was waiting for Union J to the side, wanted to know how it had been for them. George was stunned and could barely get the words out, but explained briefly that it had been very affecting. Meanwhile, Louis and Sharon were discussing the boys, but it wasn’t a 100 per cent glowing reception. Sharon noted that a couple of the boys – she didn’t say who – had developed amateur tics with their delivery and performance. But Louis insisted that they had the potential to be much, much better if they worked hard. The boys returned later to sing their second song – ‘Forever Young’ by Mr Hudson – and delivered another impressive rendition, with perfect harmonies and Jaymi showcasing his powerful voice. Afterwards, talking to Caroline Flack on The Xtra Factor, it was evident that Union J were loving singing as a four. JJ enthusiastically agreed that, aside from their nerves, it had been a brilliant experience.

But it wouldn’t be long before they learned their fate. The next morning, the four boys were up on the hotel rooftop again, waiting to hear Louis’s verdict. The hot sun beat down on them, intensifying the tension that they undoubtedly felt. For them, it was a strange feeling of d?j? vu, as they prayed that this time they would hear good news. An emotional Jaymi couldn’t bear the thought of having yet another no after so many disappointments. Josh agreed, saying that they craved for this band to work and were prepared to give it their all. After going through such ups and downs over the past few weeks in their X Factor journey, the boys knew that a second rejection would hurt twice as much as the first. Jaymi knew that there was a reason they’d been brought back – the kernel of something special had been spotted in them. Another rejection would be awful. Pacing around the hotel roof, with the dramatic mountain backdrop behind them, Josh tried to steady his breath. He worried about the impact on his nearest and dearest, aware that he’d been through so many near-misses before. George patted his chest as his heart raced, and then put a comforting arm around Josh’s shoulder as the emotion got to him. It was a sickening moment for every single lad.

Louis opened proceedings with a compliment, praising their first audition, as the Union J boys stood in a line in front of him, George biting his fingers nervously. Louis went on to explain that, as Jaymi thought, there was potential for the group to be great. Louis had taken a chance by putting George into the mix and he was pleased with how things were going. But – and it was a big but – Louis wasn’t sure there was enough time to get Union J show-ready. After all, they hadn’t been together long. Red-eyed and on the edge, Union J prayed that this didn’t mean Louis thought they were a lost cause. They knew they would work harder than they’d ever worked before if only they got this chance. As they pulled together, arms around each other, they listened to Louis continuing his appraisal. Soon, Louis appeared to confirm their worst fears by highlighting the other boybands in the competition – with their increased experience they had an advantage over the newbies, Union J. Josh tensed his jaw and JJ’s mouth dropped open in shock – they thought it was all over. As Jaymi gazed at the floor, he wiped away tears. Now it was time for Louis to make his decision. He explained to the boys that he didn’t like taking chances. As JJ silently mouthed please under his breath, Louis delivered his smash. He was ready to take a chance right now. It was an unexpected twist – the boys all raised their heads in a sudden burst of hope. It was true – they were through!

It was the culmination of months – and years – of dashed hopes. Union J cheered with joy like they’d never cheered before, and immediately ran towards Louis in utter elation. As JJ, Jaymi and George pushed Louis onto the sofa for a bear hug, Josh collapsed onto his knees, unable to take in the incredible news they’d just heard. The four boys then ran into a group hug, shouting ‘Yes!’ and hiccupping with the emotion of the moment. They could hardly gather themselves, as Louis, breathing out a sigh of relief, tried to regain order. He warned the boys that the difficult phase was just starting – they were surrounded by rivals who were all as hungry for the X Factor crown as they were. JJ sobbed, and declared his loyalty to the judge. The boys had never felt like this before. In the space of a couple of weeks, their fortunes had turned around by 180 degrees and now they would be taking part in the X Factor finals – the biggest platform for a pop group on British TV. Louis laughed as he made sure the boys knew that they had to demonstrate that they were worth this chance. The bandmates ran off in hysterical happiness. They yelled and shouted about their good fortune as they pulled each other into another tight hug. Flying back to Britain after such an incredible few days, they couldn’t wait to tell their families, who had no idea what had happened yet. They sat at Gatwick Airport, nervously waiting for the boys to return, all the while hoping they’d be coming back with good news. ‘We were all there sitting in Costa Coffee, waiting for the contestants to get off the plane,’ explained Toni, George’s mum. ‘We still, at that stage, didn’t know whether they had got through. But then I saw George and he shouted “Yes!” and then there was lots of hugging and kissing.’

What a moment for Union J – their lives would never be the same again. After believing their X Factor dreams were over, they were now through to the finals, which would come to determine the course of their futures forever. Despite their jubilation, Union J knew there was more hard work to come. They now faced the toughest competition of their lives as the judges selected the other finalists. Turning down Times Red – who, like Union J, had been given a second chance at Judges’ Houses – Louis instead selected MK1, an urban hip-hop duo from East London, and GMD3, the vocal harmony three-piece boyband that had previously defeated Union J at Bootcamp. Nicole Scherzinger had selected her three boys: firstly, James Arthur, a talented guitarist and singer from Saltburn, Teeside, alongside Jahmene Douglas, a shy singer from Birmingham with an astonishing voice. Rounding out her trio was Rylan Clark – a controversial entry, as the out-there model and actor from Essex had bags of charisma but didn’t have the strongest voice. Meanwhile, Gary Barlow had chosen his Over-28s. They were Carolynne Poole, a talented singer from Yorkshire who’d been booted out at Judges’ Houses the year before by Louis; former chimney sweep Kye Sones from Pinner, Northwest London, and Melanie Masson, a children’s entertainer from Glasgow. Lastly, Tulisa had chosen an amazing group of girls for the live finals: Lucy Spraggan, a quirky guitarist and singer from Buxton who’d already hit the charts with her self-penned X Factor audition song, ‘Last Night’; Ella Henderson, a 16-year-old with an incredible voice, and Jade Ellis, a talented singer from Southeast London who oozed star attitude.

A wildly different bunch, they would now be pitted directly against each other in the bear pit of the X Factor finals. Now not only the judges but also the voting public would have their say – and so, too, would the media. Union J were about to embark on the ride of their lives.

They were through to the live shows. Finally, the weeks and months of nervous auditioning had resulted in a dream come true – the boys would be taking part in the biggest, most exciting part of The X Factor – the week-by-week phase where they performed live to the nation. Now they were part of the legendary ‘Final 12’. If they thought life had taken a twist in a crazy direction before, they were about to become fully fledged TV superstars, with millions of viewers watching them each week to decide their fate. Would they win over the British public and become the new hot boyband on everyone’s lips, set for storming chart success? Or would they fall at the first hurdle and be voted out straight away, disappearing without trace? At this stage, no one could predict what would happen, but the sheer thrill of being on the show was driving Union J on. Speaking backstage on The X Factor as they recorded the first of their behind-the-scenes interviews, their amazement and happiness shone through.

Firstly, it was time to move into X Factor World full time. In previous years of the show, the finalists had all lived together in a big house rented by the show and located in a suburb of London. This had sometimes caused problems, with neighbours complaining about the hordes of screaming fans congregated outside on the road! So, this year, the show’s producers made a decision – the finalists would move into a hotel. But not just any old place; this was the five-star Corinthia Hotel – a favourite of Rihanna, which dazzled them all with its luxurious glamour. With the hotel located slap-bang in the centre of London, just a short walk away from both the Prime Minister’s home at 10 Downing Street and the Royal Family’s residence at Buckingham Palace, this year’s contestants were in the thick of the action in Britain’s buzzing capital. Each of them would be staying in rooms that cost ?500 a night, complete with flat-screen TV in both the room and the bath, rain-dance shower, sumptuous beds and full access to the gym and spa. It was certainly a leap into the big time and a taster of what their life might be like should X Factor final success come their way. Pulling up outside their impressive new home for the next few weeks, the Union J boys couldn’t believe it. Josh even joked to the cameras that this place left his own home in the shade as they walked up the grand steps. Entering their plush new room, George leapt on a bed, claiming the best spot for himself. But the other boys weren’t going to let cheeky George have his way straight away – they laughed as they jumped on the bed too, amazed at their incredible good fortune. This was going to be fun.

But it wasn’t all to be the life of a pampered A-list superstar from now on. There was a lot of work ahead needed to turn the boys into fully fledged pop stars – and there would be rules to follow, too. Almost straight away, the contestants had the mini-bars taken out of their rooms, after Staz Nair from Times Red ended up running naked down a corridor. ‘The contestants have been spoiled with their accommodation and are being waited on hand and foot – but bosses can’t foot the bar bill, especially if they’re going to sink the amount of booze they’re clearly capable of,’ reported the Sun. It was clear that the X Factor producers were not prepared to have bad behaviour giving the show a poor reputation with the other swanky guests. And the Union J boys found that the live shows meant a whole new level of grooming was required, despite their already gorgeous looks. ‘We’ve had [our] eyebrows done, haircuts, facials – we’re getting the star treatment we’re not really used to,’ said George. Stylists also had a field day with Josh – completely restyling his hair and turning the sideswept fringe into a 1950s-style quiff that showed off his incredible cheekbones and piercing eyes. Little did they know this was only the beginning.