Vanilla Ice has praised X Factor twins John and Edward Grimes after performing with them at the National Television Awards in London last night.

The 18-year-old Irish twins - known to fans as Jedward - teamed up with the washed up American rapper for a cover of his 1990 number one 'Ice Ice Baby' at The O2 Arena ceremony.

Afterwards, Ice – real name Robert Van Winkle – praised his hyperactive comrades, saying: “I think they're great - I didn't know much about them until a couple of weeks ago.

“I checked out YouTube and I went 'no way', and after I got over the laugh they invited me to come out.”

He added: "I said to these guys 'get in where you fit in' - don't listen to the critics."

One of the identical twins added to the BBC: "He's got a lot of great music, he's a great rapper and he's got a lot better since back in the day."

X Factor earlier won the best talent show award at the ceremony.

(by Scott Colothan)