Diva Fever
Best known as one of the cheesiest entrants to have ever auditioned for the X Factor. Now the 2010 contestants have taken it to a literal level. Meet the faces behind Chicago Town Pizza’s latest campaign.
Don’t Stop Be-ing Cheesy’
The duo, Craig Saggers, 21, and Josef Al-Smadi, 26, who were mentored by Simon Cowell in last year’s competition, have released their own adaptation of Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ – aptly named ‘Don’t Stop Be-ing Cheesy’.
Talking to Manchester Gossip about the release, Craig said: “People should check it out.
“It’s a bit of fun and not to be taken seriously.
“Obviously I think everyone should download it from iTunes.
“Chicago Town is the UK's biggest pizza brand and we share a lot of the same values - we're fun, bold and fully loaded with cheese!
Since leaving the X factor, the loveable pair have kept themselves busy turning on Christmas lights, doing gigs up and down the country and spending summer performing in China.
“The Chinese have experienced us from clips on YouTube,” Craig said.
“We did 4 or 5 shows over there in May.
“They obviously like everything over the top there.”
But despite their hectic schedules, the lads, who wow-ed audiences with their rendition of ‘Proud Mary’ at their Manchester audition, have still kept in touch with other 2010 finalists.
“You start off becoming a little dysfunctional X Factor family,” Craig said.
“We keep in touch with everyone on Twitter now – mainly Mary Byrne, Treyc Cohen, Paije Richardson and Katie Waissel.”
And Craig says that he and Josef still found time to keep up-to-date with this year’s show, where Louis Walsh’s act Jonny Robinson kept them entertained.
“Jonny was my personal favourite - I thought he made the show this year,” he said.
“I think it was really good for a group to win, and I think there is definitely a market for them.
“Girls Aloud aren’t there anymore and Sugababes are forever splitting up.
“I also think Kelly was really good. We really supported her this year after she supported us as a guest judge last year. “
If Craig’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, it seems that New Year will throw Diva Fever back into the limelight.
The pair are keen to follow in Jedward’s footsteps, by taking part in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.
“I think Jedward are doing it for Ireland again this year - that sort of act usually does quite well and we are quite similar to them,” Craig told Manchester Gossip.
“We really want to get some of our stuff out there in the New Year.”
Chicago Town TAKEAWAY The X Factor pizza will be in most supermarkets with
an RRP of £3.79.
By Rebecca Cohen and Lauren Maughan
