Reggie N Bollie sign record deal with Simon Cowell

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Reggie N BollieImage source, Syco/Thames TV

The X Factor runners-up Reggie N Bollie have signed a record deal with Simon Cowell's label.

Syco confirmed the news on Twitter and said the pair will be releasing an album later this year.

The smiley duo posted: "We're officially signed to Syco, more hit songs and entertainment from 2016 and beyond.", external

"We're so happy to share the good news with you," Reggie said.

Bollie added: "We're going to put in the hard work and bring you wicked songs and wicked entertainment."

Reggie N Bollie finished second on The X Factor in 2015 behind 17-year-old Louisa Johnson from Essex.

The pair's fun and lively performances won over viewers of the ITV competition.

Reggie N Bollie thanked The Xtra Factor co-host Rochelle Humes for her support., external

They auditioned as Menn On Point but changed their name before the judges' houses stage.

The duo are from Ghana, where they've released music separately. They have been living in the UK with their families for the past six years.

Syco confirmed the record deal news with this tweet., external

It's not unusual for runners-up on The X Factor to get signed.

It's probably not a surprise that Reggie N Bollie were snapped up given Simon Cowell tweeted about them after the final in December.

"They will sell records next year," he wrote., external

Louisa Johnson's winning single Forever Young was criticised by some who felt the ballad was more suited to her than Reggie N Bollie.

But the champion told Newsbeat she didn't think it favoured her.

Forever Young only reached number nine in the UK official singles chart.

Reggie N Bollie performed their version of the Bob Dylan song in the final., external

There's a history of second-placed contestants going on to do better than eventual winners.

Olly Murs
Image caption,

Olly Murs finished second in 2009

The X Factor co-presenter Olly Murs lost out to Joe McElderry in 2009, but has gone on to have three number one albums.

One Direction finished third in 2010, while 2014 runner-up Fleur East has dismissed suggestions that Simon Cowell favours her over winner Ben Haenow.

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