The Unconventionals are certainly unconventional - made up of six members from different walks of life and ranging in age from 25 to 41. They have been a group for two months first formed by Drew, the lead singer noted for his cardigans in the auditions and boot camp stages. Drew and fellow member Andrew are no stranger to performing when they first met each other at a charity event in 1990. Their current work at the London Palladium theatre sees Drew work as an usher while Andrew works in sales. Liz joined the Unconventionals when she was working alongside Drew on the West End production of 'Grease'. Incidentally they were playing the part of boyfriend and girlfriend. Lucy and Nicola became members through working with Drew on the musical, 'Taboo'. Nicola's fiancé, Tom completes the sextet made up of three guys and three girls.
The Unconventionals have performed previously together at a charity gig at the Too2Much night club.

The Unconventionals are made up of: Drew Jaymson, Andrew Newey, Liz Ewing, Lucy Newton, Nicola Dawn and Tom Newman.

DREW is 41 years old from Oxford. He works as an usher at the London Palladium theatre. He is no stranger to the stage having performed in many West End musicals including: 'Grease', 'Taboo' and 'Mamma Mia'. His musical influences include Stevie Wonder and Eddie Reader. He leads the group and is noted for having forgotten his lyrics during a very gruelling boot camp stage, but nevertheless having taken the blame for the group's disappointment at this stage, mentor Louis saw hope in The Unconventionals.

ANDREW is 38 years of age from Hull and works as an usher and in sales for the London Palladium theatre. Having been born in Lincoln, Andrew grew up in Hornsea and lives in Hull. He is part of a family of three with one brother and sister. and has two children: Jordan and Millie, 7 and 5 years respectively. Andrew has been working in music for 31 years and met Drew Jaymson at a charity singing event in 1990. Andrew trained as a singer at the Italia Conti Stage School in 1985-1988.

LIZ is a 37 year old waitress from Scotland who has been friends with Drew for some ten years and worked with him on the West End production of 'Grease'. Liz has three sisters and one brother and has been with her partner, Abdellah for 17 years and has one child, Jasmin. Liz is no stranger to the screen and stage having appeared in 'Taggart' and 'Gentleman's Relish' and also on 'Les Miserables'.

LUCY is 25 years old from Sussex and works as a promotions assistant. Born in Shoreham-by-Sea and with two sisters, Lucy has been on stage in many musicals that include: 'Taboo', 'Les Miserables', 'Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat' and 'Fame'. She also appeared in television adverts for British Gas and Asda. Influences by music artists such as Kelly Clarkson and 50 Cent, Lucy has been singing for a while.

NICOLA is a 33 year old promotions worker from Cheshire where she was born in Cheadle Hume. She is fiancée of fellow member, Tom with whom she lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Nicola has been a singer and dancer for some twenty years. At age 10 she was in Barry Manilow's 'One Voice' choir. She has also appeared on stage including 'Cirque de Soleil'.

TOM is a 39 year old builder from Kent and is fiancé of fellow member, Nicola. The pair live in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Tom was himself born in Sittingbourne and both him and Nicola have been an item for six years since meeting each other in Belfast. Tom has also got singing background and tried his hand at various amateur bands. Tom has been on stage in the musical, 'Blues Brothers' and appeared in various television adverts.

Q&As
What would winning The X Factor mean to you?
Andrew, says, “I came to London in 1988 with a dream of being a successful recording artist and almost 20 years later, being here would mean that all the hard work and rejection was worth it.” Drew agrees. “I’ve reached a point where my career is at a crossroads and not going so well, so this could bring a way of earning a decent living and doing what I love to do.” Liz sums it up, “It’s hard to put into words. It could potentially mean a massive change, so is really scary in one respect but working and singing is everything that I’ve always wanted.”

What do your friends and family think about your X Factor success?
"Liz is most excited about working with the other Unconventionals but says she will miss her partner and her daughter. “My partner is very realistic and cautious so isn’t over excited but is happy for me and very supportive.” The group has been surprised at the reaction of friends and family as to their success. Andrew says “They’re absolutely thrilled. There has been a unanimous positive response at every round we’ve got through. I’ve done lots of auditions but this one has brought out the hysteria in everyone.” Drew adds “They’re all finding it so frustrating because they can’t talk about it.” Lucy adds “at the beginning Mum blanked it out as she was so frightened there would be a rejection somewhere along the line. Dad is still in shock!”

Do you come from a musical family?
"Andrew comes from a musical family. “My whole family love music. My Grandfather was in a male voice choir and my mum was in lots of shows.” Drew goes one better. “‘My Dad was in a harmony group with his brothers and sisters called The Smart Family. He also formed a duo after he left the RAF and they entered Opportunity Knocks in 1969.” Nicola’s parents persuaded her to join the business. Her mum is a pianist and her father is a singer."

What is the worst job that you’ve ever done?
"Liz’s worst job was working for a bus company doing promotions. “I had to dress up as a granny and jump on and off buses and sing ‘Hello Shoppers’ to the tune of Hello Dolly.” Andrew has a similar experience. His was a promotions job in Twickenham hading out newspapers in the rain. But Tom has to take the prize for the most unusual job ever, “My worse job was my first ever – making penises for a medical research company!”

When did you realise you could sing?
"Andrew says “at primary school in the Christmas Nativity. I was one of the shepherds and I sang a solo. I had a stutter when I spoke so I wasn’t used to people listening to me but the audience response was really amazing and I really enjoyed it.” Liz had a similar experience. “‘A teacher told me when I was seven that I had a nice voice. I used to put little singing groups together. I did lots of acting and I loved entertaining.” Tom says “I went in for school shows and plays and from then on it has always been an ambition to perform and entertain. I have pursued other careers but only to pay the mortgage!”

What are your musical influences?
"The group have all appeared in West End musicals including Taboo, Les Miserables and Grease but have very differing musical tastes. Andrew’s favourite single is Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’, Drew’s influences include Billy Joel, Take 6, Eddie Reader and Barbra Streisand. Lucy cites Barry Manilow as her musical legend and ‘Living On A Prayer’ by Bon Jovi as her favourite single."