X Factor win 'best ever present' - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

X Factor win 'best ever present'

Surprise X Factor winner Leon Jackson said his victory was "the best Christmas present ever".

The Scottish teenager triumphed in the final of the reality talent show, 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 Scots 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."

The final pitted nation against nation, with Rhydian representing Wales, Same Difference England and Leon Scotland.

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.

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