X Factor: Celebrity hunks Try Star will pay tribute to England rugby team with Swing Low, Sweet Chariot performance
X FACTOR: Celebrity hopefuls Try Star will pay touching tribute to the England rugby team with a performance of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot this evening.
The hunky trio, formed of rugby aces Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis, are shunning their traditional sexy routines for a more poignant number.
Nationals were left devastated earlier today when England were beaten 32-12 by South Africa in the World Cup final, which was held in Japan.
Thom Evans has now revealed that ahead of the match, mentor Simon Cowell suggested Try Star sang the long-serving anthem of England's national rugby union team in tribute.
Although the boys were dubious at first, they felt that it was important to publicly throw their support behind the players - regardless of whether it was a win or loss this morning.
Thom explained: "To not acknowledge the England rugby boys this weekend would be bad form.
"When Simon initially floated the idea to sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot we were a little worried about it but it would be wrong not to show our support for the boys today, whatever the score.
"We'll be doffing our caps to the team out in Tokyo to show our respect."
Thom, 34, was forced to give up his professional rugby career after suffering a life-changing neck injury, but he believes bandmate Levi has what it takes to play for England one day.
He added: "It feels like this was all written in the stars, whilst I wish I could still play rugby after my life-changing injury, this experience in itself could be life-changing for me and the boys.
"Levi is one of the rising stars in rugby at the moment, so maybe one day he will be playing for England too.
"I didn't think when I was playing rugby, that one day I’d be performing in front of Simon Cowell on The X Factor: Celebrity stage.
"We'll be making sure we do everything we can to get through."
Last week, The Sun Online revealed that Try Star were forced to "cool down" their performance as show bosses banned stripper poles over fears it was all too sexy for TV.
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The Magic Mike-inspired routine left judge Nicole Scherzinger hot under the collar, as well as viewers at home, and Simon awarded them with his Safe Seat.
While the trio are taking a risk by changing their style for this week's poignant performance, they hope that the public will understand their decision and get behind them.
The X Factor: Celebrity continues tonight at 8.30pm on ITV