Union J have announced that they’re replacing the recently departed George Shelley, with another former ‘X Factor’ star.
Casey Johnson from the ill-fated Stereo Kicks has joined the group, and the lads have all shared their joy at the decision on Twitter:
Watch the big reveal in the video below:
However, Casey has angered some Stereo Kicks fans by making derogatory comments about the group, telling the Sun: “I have always wanted to be in a band, not a choir.
“What I was in before wasn’t like a boyband. Stereo Kicks was more of a choir.”
He has since responded to criticism on Twitter, writing:
Hopefully, this marks a new beginning for the band, who ended up sheepishly backtracking on comments made after George’s exit.
Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick
After appearing to joke about George’s prospects without them, the remaining members of the group then posted their own messages on Twitter to clarify the situation, with one stating that it was “a very sad day that has been blown out of proportion.”
'X Factor': Where Are They Now?
Stacey Solomon (Series 6, 2009)(01 of24)
Queen of the Jungle, Iceland Mum and all-round National Treasure, Stacey Solomon has become a celebrity in her own right.
After winning 'I'm A Celebrity', she took a few years out of the limelight, but became a regular 'Loose Women' presenter in 2016, relaunching herself as a TV personality. (credit:PA)
After winning 'I'm A Celebrity', she took a few years out of the limelight, but became a regular 'Loose Women' presenter in 2016, relaunching herself as a TV personality. (credit:PA)
Rylan Clark-Neal (Series 9, 2012)(02 of24)
Hated by Gary Barlow, loved by the public, Rylan went on to win 'Celebrity Big Brother' and has presented spin-off show 'Bit On The Side' since 2013.
His presenting career continues to go from strength to strength, fronting his own Channel 5 talk show as well as the ITV gameshow 'Babooshka'. (credit:PA)
His presenting career continues to go from strength to strength, fronting his own Channel 5 talk show as well as the ITV gameshow 'Babooshka'. (credit:PA)
Diana Vickers (Series 5, 2008)(03 of24)
The softly-spoken Vickers, who got to the semi-finals in 2008, has expanded away from music, starring in West End shows, releasing a fashion line and apparently working on a Clint Eastwood film. (credit:PA)
Little Mix (Series 8, 2011)(04 of24)
From four solo artists, to two separate girl groups, to Rhythmix, to Little Mix, the band didn't have the simplest start on 'The X Factor'.
However, as the first group to win the competition, Little Mix have achieved huge success, releasing four hit albums and nabbing the record for highest debut US chart position for a British girl group's debut. (credit:PA)
However, as the first group to win the competition, Little Mix have achieved huge success, releasing four hit albums and nabbing the record for highest debut US chart position for a British girl group's debut. (credit:PA)
Steve Brookstein (Series 1, 2004)(05 of24)
The original 'X Factor' winner is far from the show's biggest fan, after being dropped by Simon Cowell's record label at a time in the TV talent show narrative when this was far less commonplace.
In 2014, he released a book about his experiences during and after the show, titled 'Getting Over The X'. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
In 2014, he released a book about his experiences during and after the show, titled 'Getting Over The X'. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Eoghan Quigg (Series 5, 2008)(06 of24)
Yes, him! Creator of what was reviewed as "the worst album in the history of recorded sound" by the Guardian's Peter Robinson, which tells you all you need to know about Quigg's career.
Last seen with his top off, flexing his new muscles in celeb mags everywhere. (credit:PA)
Last seen with his top off, flexing his new muscles in celeb mags everywhere. (credit:PA)
Ella Henderson (Series 9, 2012)(07 of24)
Despite being pipped to the top spot by James Arthur in 2012, Ella validated her title of 'the most talented performer in the show's history' (courtesy of Dermot O'Leary) when her debut single, 'Ghost', went straight to number one in June 2014. (credit:PA)
Alexandra Burke (Series 5, 2008)(08 of24)
Alexandra's pop career got off to a flying start (three number one singles in two years is good going by anyone's standards, let alone a talent show winner), but her sophomore album failed to live up to the standard set by her debut.
After being dropped by Simon's labels, she carved a new career as a West End star, and in 2017, participated in the 15th series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
After being dropped by Simon's labels, she carved a new career as a West End star, and in 2017, participated in the 15th series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Mason Noise (Series 12, 2015)(09 of24)
Mason had a controversial time of it on 'The X Factor', largely thanks to his infamous storm-off during Bootcamp.
Despite this, Nick Grimshaw chose to bring him back for Judges' Houses, and since then he's kept pursuing music, releasing debut single 'Loco' in 2017. (credit:Instagram)
Despite this, Nick Grimshaw chose to bring him back for Judges' Houses, and since then he's kept pursuing music, releasing debut single 'Loco' in 2017. (credit:Instagram)
JLS (Series 5, 2008)(10 of24)
JLS had a long career after coming second to Alexandra Burke in the 2008 series, but ultimately decided to call it quits in 2014. During their time as a band, JLS released five Number 1 singles, five albums, perfumes and a 3D movie.
Oh and a condom range. (credit:PA)
Oh and a condom range. (credit:PA)
Shayne Ward (Series 2, 2005)(11 of24)
Shayne enjoyed a fairly successful stint as a popstar after taking part in 'The X Factor', but has more recently turned his attention to acting, playing Aidan Connor in 'Coronation Street'.
In 2017, he won a National Television Award for his soap role, having not exactly been shy about wanting to join the 'Corrie' cast in the years leading up to it. (credit:HGL via Getty Images)
In 2017, he won a National Television Award for his soap role, having not exactly been shy about wanting to join the 'Corrie' cast in the years leading up to it. (credit:HGL via Getty Images)
Christopher Maloney (Series 9, 2012)(12 of24)
Chris didn't have the easiest of times leaving 'The X Factor', and reportedly wasn't invited back for the 2013 final due to a row with fellow contestant Carolynne Poole, during which he called her a "c***".
He's since made headlines thanks to his expensive plastic surgery, fall-outs with former close friend Danniella Westbrook and a brief stint in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
He's since made headlines thanks to his expensive plastic surgery, fall-outs with former close friend Danniella Westbrook and a brief stint in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Andy Abraham (Series 2, 2005)(13 of24)
Offered forth as our representative for Great British music in 2008 in the Eurovision Song Contest, the former bin man came, er, last. At least he got points. He's also released four albums, so well done him. (credit:WikiMedia:)
Ray Quinn (Series 3, 2006)(14 of24)
Ray somehow came second behind Leona Lewis, and has taken part in a string of musicals and, of course, pantomimes since appearing on the show in 2006 and won the All-Star series of 'Dancing On Ice' in 2014.
More recently, he's taken the Eoghan Quigg route of getting really buff and talking about it on any daytime show that will have him. (credit:PA)
More recently, he's taken the Eoghan Quigg route of getting really buff and talking about it on any daytime show that will have him. (credit:PA)
Katie Waissel(15 of24)
Katie, Katie, Katie. The girl who possibly set the record for most personal reinventions in the course of three months now lives in LA, where she works in a tattoo agency, while still trying to make it as a singer.
In 2016, she returned to the UK for a series of 'Celebrity Big Brother', during which an anti-Semitic comment made by Christopher Biggins had him thrown out of the house. (credit:Getty Images)
In 2016, she returned to the UK for a series of 'Celebrity Big Brother', during which an anti-Semitic comment made by Christopher Biggins had him thrown out of the house. (credit:Getty Images)
Honey G(16 of24)
In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it move, the novelty rapper was signed up to Simon Cowell's label immediately after leaving the show, but was promptly dropped when 'The Honey G Show' missed the UK top 100 completely.
In 2017, she came out as gay in an interview with The Sun and released the imaginatively-named follow-up track, 'Hit You With The Honey G'. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
In 2017, she came out as gay in an interview with The Sun and released the imaginatively-named follow-up track, 'Hit You With The Honey G'. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Rhydian Roberts(17 of24)
This is the least scary picture of Rhydian we could find and he stills looks like he's piercing someone's soul with his eyes.
Anyhow, Rhydian was probably the most successful gimmick act in X Factor history, and has gone on to appear in musicals, while recording four successful albums. (credit:PA)
Anyhow, Rhydian was probably the most successful gimmick act in X Factor history, and has gone on to appear in musicals, while recording four successful albums. (credit:PA)
Frankie Cocozza(18 of24)
Despite billing himself as one of X Factor's most rock 'n' roll entrants, Frankie is known post-show for his reality TV appearances, which include 'Celebrity Big Brother' and 'Celebs Go Dating'. (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
Cher Lloyd(19 of24)
Famed for on The X Factor for her strut, snarl and, erm, swag, Cher's debut single, 'Swagger Jagger', reached number 1 in the charts, despite receiving mostly negative reviews.
She's also achieved success in the US, collaborating with Busta Rymes, T.I. and Demi Lovato, and got married along the way. (credit:Getty Images)
She's also achieved success in the US, collaborating with Busta Rymes, T.I. and Demi Lovato, and got married along the way. (credit:Getty Images)
Aiden Grimshaw(20 of24)
Best known for looking intense and moody, Aiden Grimshaw released his debut album, 'Misty Eye' in 2012, which was named 'unexpectedly brilliant' in its reviews. A self-titled EP followed in 2013, with Aiden still working as a singer and songwriter today. (credit:PA)
James Arthur(21 of24)
His post-'X Factor' career began with a chart-topping single and successful album, but things started to go downhill for James in 2013.
After writing lyrics which referenced homophobia and terrorism, Twitter spats with comedian Frankie Boyle and a number of Twitter rants, James was (unsurprisingly) dropped from Simon Cowell's label in June 2014, only to make one of the u-turns of the century two years later and wind up getting re-signed. (credit:PA)
After writing lyrics which referenced homophobia and terrorism, Twitter spats with comedian Frankie Boyle and a number of Twitter rants, James was (unsurprisingly) dropped from Simon Cowell's label in June 2014, only to make one of the u-turns of the century two years later and wind up getting re-signed. (credit:PA)
Leon Jackson(22 of24)
Less said, the better. (credit:PA)
Chico(23 of24)
After 'It's Chico Time' and 'It's England Time' (for the 2010 World Cup), surely Chico was destined for worldwide fame and fortune? Where can we find him if we need some more hits? Hosting webcam gaming sessions for Bingocams UK, apparently... (credit:PA)
One Direction(24 of24)
Never heard of 'em. (credit:PA)