TV Story

07 January 2009 19:38 BST

Leon wins X Factor

Leon Jackson has overcome all expectations to win this year's X Factor title.

The 18-year-old looked in shock when his victory was revealed and could barely express his thanks to the voting public who handed him an unexpected victory.

He wins a £1 million recording contract and joins an elite group of talent show winners including Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Hicks and Will Young.

Shock-haired Rhydian Roberts had been the bookies' hot favourites to follow in the steps of Shayne Ward and Leona Lewis, but the Welsh singer did not do enough on the final night to take the crown.

"It's not real - thank you, thank you," Leon said before launching into a version of what could well be this year's Christmas number one, a version of Disney cheese-fest When You Believe.

"It just means the world to me. I set out to pursue this because I love singing and then as it went along I knew I could potentially change my mum's life – and I've just done it," he said, struggling to holding back tears.

Mentor Danni Minogue said she was grateful to work with "such a talented artist". Her sister Kylie's duet with Leon may well have had something to do with his victory.

Referring to his record contract, she said: "I cannot wait to see what he's going to do with it."

Same Difference, the last remaining group in the show, finished third.

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