Former X Factor contestants are now joining forces to enter this year’s Swindon Talent ‘11.

Jack Stuckey from Melksham captured the nation’s attention two years ago when he publically split with his girlfriend on the TV show and Simon Cowell briefly brought them back together.

“I got quite a lot of recognition for my infamous past and one million views on YouTube,’’ said Jack, 21. “It gutted a lot of folks when we broke up on stage so Simon Cowell got us back together but it was all for the cameras really.’’ Joining the long queue for those same auditions, to perform on the famous TV programme, was Swindon singer, songwriter and guitarist Alistair Ward. The singers did not know each other but Jack says he remembers Alistair singing and playing guitar to entertain the crowds in the queue.

“It was much later when I was singing karaoke in the Lava Lounge in Swindon town centre that we met up and started talking,’’ said Jack, who works for Tesco at the photo booth and is also a special constable.

Jack and Alistair, 27, from Shrewsbury Road, decided to collaborate and have now created a double act in the style of Bruno Mars with a mix of rock and hip hop. “Ali is the better singer,’’ admitted Jack. “But I do a bit of rap to please the younger ones like myself.’’ It has taken Jack a while to live down his exploits on the television. “After the embarrassment of forgetting my words on stage I decided to have singing lessons and working with Ali has brought me on. We entered Text Factor at Bushwackers and all my friends and family from Trowbridge came to support us so we had a big crowd.’’ Jack and Ali will be strutting their stuff on stage in front of the Big Screen at Wharf Green in the first heat of Swindon Talent ‘11 on Saturday May 28 from noon to 2pm. The competition is run by the Swindon Advertiser and Swindon 105.5 community radio with technical support from Holmes Music. The editor of the Swindon Advertiser Dave King is keen to promote all entertainment not just musicians and dancers. He said: “We don’t just want singers or rock bands, we want entertainers such as acrobats or classical music performers, jazz bands or folk, novelty artists and street entertainers. We are looking for the same type of acts as on the TV show Britain’s Got Talent.’’ To enter the talent contest visit www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/ news/swindon_talent_2011/ to download an entry form.

Panel: Swindon Talent 2011 Heats The stage in front of the Big Screen in Swindon Town Centre will host the first heat in the competition on Saturday May 28 from noon to 2pm.

The second heat will be at Purton Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm as part of the carnival week. This year’s carnival theme is appropriately Musicals.

The Platform in Faringdon Road which will host the third heat of Swindon Talent ‘11 on Thursday June 16 from 6pm to 8pm. It is an open mic night.

The Old Town Festival holds the fourth heat of the talent show on Sunday June 26 from 11.30am to 1pm in the Old Town Bowl, Town Gardens.

The Wootton Bassett Arts Festival holds the fifth heat at Wootton Bassett School on Friday July 1 from 7pm to 9pm The Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park in Swindon will host the final heat on Saturday July 9 from noon to 2pm.

The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon will again be hosting the grand final on Saturday August 6.”