X Factor hopeful clashes with mogul 'as they're so alike'

THEIR relationship is certainly stormy.

• Gary with a picture of Storm Lee

However, the family of Edinburgh's latest pop hopeful today told how they were sure Simon Cowell will warm to him, as they are so alike.

Despite being dismissed by music mogul Cowell, Storm Lee Gardner is one step closer to hitting the top spot in this year's X Factor after becoming one of the last 32 contestants left in it.

His brother, Gary, from Sighthill said: "I think it's a bit of a love-hate thing between Simon and Storm.

"Simon says he doesn't like him and he has criticised my brother's name a lot, but I think the real problem is they're so alike.

"They say people with similar personalities can clash, and it could be the case here.

"Simon knows my brother has a good voice. He proved that when he said he wished he could put Storm's voice 'in someone else's body', but I'm not surprised they don't get on because my brother is also a controversial chap and he doesn't care what everybody else thinks.

"He walks to the beat of his own drum, just like Simon."

Ex-Evening News paper boy Storm Lee, who was brought up in St Mary's Street with his brother, moved to LA at only 16 to pursue his singing dream.

He returned to London for his original X Factor audition amongst several thousand other hopefuls.

After making it down to the final 200, he wowed X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh last Saturday with a rendition of Guns 'n' Roses, Sweet Child O' Mine.

Despite Simon rolling his eyes and describing Storm as 'so annoying', the 37-year-old breezed through to the semi-final.

Of the last 32 contestants, Storm is one of only eight acts in the aged 28-plus category to make the final cut.

His mentor, Louis Walsh, invited the finalists to his Dublin pad for intensive singing sessions, and he will choose his final three contestants in next Sunday's show.

Gary, a mature student and keen amateur golfer despite being born with one arm, said he was confident his brother would entertain the crowds on the live shows.

He said: "I think, as time goes on, Simon will warm to Storm. He showed that he has charisma and talent last weekend, and I think Simon will realise he's a great performer and a decent guy. He's confident, but in no way arrogant.

"He's been for his training with Louis and he sent us a postcard from Dublin saying 'Wish you were here', but we don't know what the outcome is yet.

"If he kept performing like he did last Saturday, I think we'll see him in the final 12, but I guess it depends on how the judges see it. I fancy his chances. Whatever happens, it's going to make exciting TV."

Talking about the rumoured relationship between his brother and semi-finalist, secretary Katie Waissel, Gary added: "I don't know much about that, he hasn't mentioned it when we've chatted, but I wouldn't be surprised. Storm's a bit of a dark horse."

[email protected]