Northern Ireland

Ex-Coronation Street star Charlie Lawson insults Jedward after X-Factor twins urge new king to 'hand back' the north

Dublin-born X-Factor twin stars Jedward have called for Ireland to be united in a tweet following the death of Queen Elizabeth
Dublin-born X-Factor twin stars Jedward have called for Ireland to be united in a tweet following the death of Queen Elizabeth Dublin-born X-Factor twin stars Jedward have called for Ireland to be united in a tweet following the death of Queen Elizabeth

FORMER Coronation Street actor Charlie Lawson has become embroiled in an online spat with X-Factor stars Jedward after the pop twins said King Charles should "hand back" the north's six counties to the Republic.

The ex-soap star reacted to a tweet on Saturday by the Dublin-born reality TV stars, who rose to fame in 2009 after appearing in that year's X-Factor show on ITV and finishing in sixth place.

The twins, John and Edward, posted on their joint Twitter account: "King Charles should hand back the six Irish counties on his visit to Northern Ireland - No war! Just words! It’s time."

The pair had previously posted following the death of Queen Elizabeth, writing on the social media: "Abolish the monarchy and give the people real democracy!"

However, their tweets sparked an angry backlash by some users, including Charlie Lawson, who posted a reply to their tweet suggesting the north should no longer remain a part of the UK.

The Enniskillen actor wrote in response: "Shut up y’pair of tw*ts!!"

His reply prompted tweets of support, as well as others who hit out at Lawson, with one user describing the outspoken unionist as a "snowflake" for his outburst.

The former soap favourite, who last returned to Coronation Street in 2018, has recently made appearances on right-wing channel GB News, including presenting live coverage of the Twelfth of July marches along with former DUP leader Dame Arlene Foster.

Lawson was invited to light an Eleventh Night bonfire in Co Fermanagh ahead of this year's July 12 celebrations.

It was later confirmed his involvement in lighting the bonfire was being investigated by the Environment Agency over claims the pyre contained "waste".