Ant & Seb have made a surprise comeback 17 years after their iconic X Factor audition, with the brothers releasing charity single ‘Sprinkle It’ for Shelter
They failed to win over Simon Cowell back in 2008 – but fast forward to 2025, and Ant & Seb have captured the hearts of the internet with an unexpected Christmas return that’s sent X Factor devotees into overdrive. The Welsh siblings from Cardiff – permanently cemented in reality television folklore for their memorable X Factor audition – have made a comeback with a festive charity track called “Sprinkle It.”
After sharing a brief clip on TikTok revealing their return, the response has been phenomenal. The clip has amassed more than 480,000 views on TikTok within a day, whilst hundreds of comments have poured in. Supporters have been swift to embrace the moment, with responses varying from “This is the best day of my life” to “2025 has officially been saved.”
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Others expressed disbelief, 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 plainly: “I gasped – oh my god, iconic.”
Ant & Seb initially rose to prominence almost twenty years ago following their X Factor audition which became one of the programme’s most discussed episodes, primarily due to Seb’s now-iconic rap and the notorious phrase, “Why did he bring his brother?” Despite failing to advance as a novelty act under Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Louis Walsh, the episode went on to become one of the most unforgettable, accumulating millions of views across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok throughout the years.
Seventeen years later, the siblings have returned with “Sprinkle It,” a cheerful, uplifting number blending Ant’s silky vocals with Seb’s characteristic wit. The duo co-wrote the track themselves, aiming to deliver something enjoyable, entertaining and seasonal.
However, the return carries additional significance. After their initial X Factor appearance, Ant suffered a mental health crisis connected to the editing and public presentation of their audition. Ant continues his recovery, and the pair explain this venture is about spreading joy, laughter and optimism, whilst demonstrating that circumstances can get better and time offers healing. Every penny raised from the single will go to Shelter and Shelter Cymru, helping those experiencing homelessness throughout the UK.
Source: Mirror
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