THE X Factor stars Katie Cunnion and Russell Quinn hope their next performance will not end like the last – in tears.

The couple, who live near Stafford and work at Alton Towers, were a hit with the audience on the ITV1 talent show at the weekend.

But Russell, aged 30, came in for some harsh words from the judges and was reduced to tears in front of an audience of 10 million people.

Panel judge Louis Walsh told Katie, aged 26, to consider going solo if she wanted to make a career as a singer.

But she is standing by the other half of her cabaret act, who she hopes to marry.

The couple, who perform as It Takes Two and sang the Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There, were given another chance by the judges and are through to the boot-camp stage, which starts this weekend.

The early rounds of the show are recorded well in advance, but the couple are staying tight-lipped about how far they have got.

Katie is no stranger to television talent contests – she reached the third round of the first series of ITV1's Pop Idol when she was 18.

The former pupil at Thomas Alleyne's High School in Uttoxeter, said: "Boot camp starts on Saturday, but I am not 100 per cent sure of whether we will be on the show.

"We felt we gave it our best shot though and I think the judges appreciated that, even though some of the comments were a little harsh. You have to be prepared for what they say.

"Russell had a cold and that did affect his voice, but he took it on the chin.

"I think he got upset because he thought he had let me down.

"But no matter how it turns out, we will keep on singing together. It was an absolutely amazing experience.

"We are just going to see how far we can go and enjoy it. From the professional side it is great to be known for being on The X Factor.

"A wedding is on the cards, once we have saved our money up.

"As for the future, it is a matter of watch this space."

Judge Danni Minogue said "no" to the duo, but fellow judges Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell said "yes" to put the pair through to this weekend's round.

The couple, from Hixon, near Stafford, met while working as entertainers at a Pontin's holiday resort in Wales four years ago and both have turned professional.

Russell works as a ride operator on Oblivion at the theme park, while Katie drives the monorail when they are not on the cabaret circuit.

Russell, who is originally from Burntwood, near Cannock, said: "We hope we can go as far as possible. The support locally has been fantastic."