“‘YOU’RE JOKING… IT’S THEM!’” — X Factor Legends Ant and Seb Make ‘Iconic’ Surprise Return 17 Years After Their First Audition, Leaving Fans Screaming With Nostalgia and Shock

Ant and Seb are back for Christmas with a new single

X Factoricons, Ant & Seb, are back – 17 years after their audition. The brothers failed to impress Simon Cowell when they auditioned for the ITV talent show in 2008 but now, they have taken social media by storm.

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The Welsh siblings from Cardiff – permanently inscribed in reality television lore for their memorable X Factor audition – have made a comeback with a festive charity track called “Sprinkle It.”

‌The duo have since gone viral on sites including TikTok

After sharing a brief clip on TikTok revealing their return, the response has been phenomenal. Within just 24 hours, the clip has amassed more than 480,000 views on TikTok, with countless comments pouring in. Supporters have been eager to mark the occasion, with responses varying from “This is the best day of my life” to “2025 has officially been saved.”

 

Some were left gobsmacked, questioning, “Is this actually them?” One supporter posted, “Did Ant and Seb just rescue 2025 at the last moment?” whilst another proclaimed the return was “better than a One Direction reunion.”

Another captured the sentiment perfectly: “I gasped – oh my god, iconic.” Ant & Seb initially rose to prominence almost 20 years ago when their X Factor audition became one of the programme’s most discussed moments, primarily due to Seb’s now-iconic rap and the notorious line, “Why did he bring his brother?”

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Despite failing to advance as a novelty act under Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Louis Walsh, the moment has since become one of the most unforgettable in the programme’s history, accumulating millions of views on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok throughout the years.

Seventeen years later, the brothers have returned with “Sprinkle It,” an upbeat, festive number blending Ant’s silky vocals with Seb’s characteristic wit. The duo co-wrote the track themselves, aiming to deliver something joyful, entertaining and seasonal.

But the comeback has a more meaningful dimension. After their initial X Factor audition, Ant suffered a mental health breakdown connected to how their performance was presented to viewers.

 

Ant continues to recover, and the pair say this venture is about spreading enjoyment, laughter and optimism, whilst showing people that circumstances can get better and that healing takes time.

Every penny raised from the single will go to Shelter and Shelter Cymru, helping those experiencing homelessness throughout the UK.

An official music video is due to launch within days, with supporters already excited following the online viral reaction. Some are even calling for more, with remarks like “Ant and Seb tour coming?” and “You two are more famous than most contestants that came first.”

 

Their 2025 Christmas track signals a fresh chapter for the brothers – and demonstrates that, 17 years later, Ant & Seb still know precisely how to capture attention.