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Simon Duke

Martin Bashir is on X Factor: Celebrity and viewers can't quite believe it

In has to be one of the most sensational TV shocks of recent years, Martin Bashir, the man who famously interviewed Diana & Michael Jackson is sensationally on The X Factor: Celebrity.

Yes really...and it's not just judge Louis Walsh who can't believe it!

Martin worked for the BBC until 1999 on programmes including Songs of Praise, Public Eye and Panorama, where he famously grilled Princess Diana on her marriage to Prince Charles in 1995.

And then ITV documentary Living With Michael Jackson was viewed by 14 million people in the UK and 38 million in the US.

The X Factor: Celebrity judges were kept in the dark about which famous faces would be trying out for the show and Louis Walsh shouted "is that Martin Bashir?!" as the 56 year old took to the stage to perform Nat King Cole classic L.O.V.E.

And while his performance was brilliant it was his reason for auditioning that endeared him to everyone.

Martin Bashir in the new ITV series of The X Factor: Celebrity (PA)

Martin revealed his performance was in honour of his late brother who battled muscular dystrophy from a young age.

Just like judges, who said he was their favourite act so far, viewers were too full of praise for Martin, as well as being surprised he's even on the show.

Someone tweeted "Wow.... @MartinBashir ! That was extraordinary. You are an amazing and brave individual," and another posted "OMG! @MartinBashir incredibly moving speech, great song and performance."

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