Chris Evans, 53, was joined on his Virgin Radio show by the three members of X Factor Celebrity group, Try Star, on Thursday as he joked about boss, Simon Cowell, splitting them up.
Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis appeared on the show ahead of their performance on Saturday evening.
The four chatted about their new venture on the talent show before Chris began joking about Simon splitting them up and forging a solo career for only one member, as he has been known to do in past X Factor shows.
“We need to get it out there, treat it as therapy before the live show,” Chris said.
“Simon has been known to say ‘look it’s crunch week, guys there’s an elephant in the room here, it’s time for the two book ends to go,’” the host mimicked Simon as the boys burst out laughing.
“What are the whispers backstage Thom?” Chris quizzed.
“You’re right Chris, it has happened in the past,” Thom admitted with a giggle: “But I’m hoping it doesn’t happen to us!”
“Never say never!”
“I’m joking,” Chris laughed, before Levi interjected: “You’re trying to split us up already, Chris. We’ve been together two minutes!”
“Well you know it is, you form, you storm, you reform,” the presenter joked, referring to other bands that have split up and then rejoined years later.
Chris revealed that Thom is his cousin on Wednesday’s show, as the host said how excited he was to watch him perform on the talent show.
The Virgin Radio DJ revealed he had a “vested interest” in this year’s revamped contest because Thom’s band was “loved” by Simon in the first episode.
“Simon loved Thom’s band so much that he’s put them straight through to as far as they can go, to the live finals,” he explained.
“So, I’m very excited about this!”
Thom is an ex Scotland International who had to retire form the sport due to a lack injury. He took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, bt was voted out in the fourth week.
His co-star, Levi Davis is a former England U18s and U19s international and now plays for Bath United. He was part of band Majesti and is also studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute.
The third member of Try Star, Ben, plays for Rugby United New York and received a standing ovation when he performed John Legend’s All of Me on a League of Their Own in 2017.
Speaking about the different levels of talent within the group, Chris took a plunge and said it how it is.
“There’s no doubt about it that Thom and Ben can definitely hold down a tune but you’re miles better than the both of them!” Chris said to Levi, as the boys erupted with laughter.
They recalled how judge, Louis Walsh was the first to say “Levi, you’ve got the voice”.
“We know Levi is seriously talented but we like to think we all have our own place in the band,” Thom said.
Fans will have to wait and see whether Chris’ joke prediction of the band splitting up is right, as X Factor: Celebrity continues on Saturday on ITV.
The Chris Evans Breakfast Radio Show airs weekdays at 6:30am on Virgin Radio.
