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hat’s why I want kids in foster care to speak out. Social workers need to go into homes and ask kids how they feel. No one ever did that for us.

“When you’re moved into another household and people are getting money for you being there, it’s hard to speak out.

“We were lucky we had a teacher at school who saw our bruises and burns but knew she couldn’t speak to our social worker. She helped my mum fight to get us back.”

Stef knows nothing about his mother’s court battle, but knows when they were returned home the bond with their mum became stronger than ever.

“Mum sat us down and said, ‘OK, we need to talk about everything, then let’s move on. Anything you need in life, tell me and I’m here’. It felt like she’d wrapped a big safety The duo are X Factor hits blanket around us.” Stef, who taught himself somersaults and backflips by practising on his mum’s bed, developed his raw talent by writing songs to express his emotions. His time in social care has affected his personality.

“I feel like I have a superpower because I know when someone’s upset, angry, or doesn’t want to talk because they’re ashamed.

“I say, ‘Are you OK?’. I’m always telling people I’m here for them to speak to.

“I crave approval from myself,” he says. “Every day I look in the mirror and say, ‘Are you happy?’.

“I am happiest writing our own music and performing, that’s why I have not stopped for the last nine years.

“I hope our music inspires people. I hope kids in care might see me so happy and know they can be too.

“One day I want to set up a charity to help kids in care – I want for them all to know they have a voice.”

The X Factor is on tonight at 8.30pm on ITV.