Leon: X Factor win is best present

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Scot triumphed in the final of the reality talent show on Saturday night, beating hot favourite Rhydian Roberts into second place by just 1% of the popular vote.

A 6/1 outsider going into the final, Leon won the public over with the Bing Crosby classic White Christmas and a show-stopping duet with Kylie Minogue.

After his win, the 18-year-old from West Lothian said tearfully: "It just means the world...I love singing. I'm really pleased that I've done my country proud, and been the first Scot winner."

Judge Sharon Osbourne told him he had transformed in the competition from a shy boy to a confident young man.

"I've just won a £1 million record deal and I've just changed me and my mum's life for ever," Leon said. "I'm stunned, absolutely stunned. My birthday's just after Christmas, and this is probably the best birthday and Christmas present I've had in my whole life."

Brother and sister duo Same Difference were the first to go when they were announced as the act with fewest votes, putting them in third place. The result meant that Dannii Minogue was automatically the winning judge on the ITV1 show, as she mentored both Rhydian and Leon.

The surprise result saved the bookmakers - who had Rhydian 1/3 favourite - from a mammoth payout. Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Leon's win is the biggest shock in the history of reality TV betting."

Leon's proud mum Wendy said: "I think it's absolutely amazing. Every week I've just watched him grow and grow and get better and better and he just blew me away."

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond praised Leon's win, saying: "This is a fantastic victory for Leon and Scotland. The whole of Scotland was cheering him on and he did it."