X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger with finalists James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas Credit: PA
An "overwhelmed" James Arthur will try to top the Christmas charts after being crowned the X Factor winner.
The 24-year-old singer, from Saltburn, near Middlesbrough, beat Jahmene Douglas to take the title in front of a 10,000-strong audience at Manchester Arena last night.
Millions more were watching the ITV show live on television as a stunned Arthur was lost for words as the result was announced.
Asked what was going through his mind, he said: "I don't know. Thank you, thank you so much."
"Wow. I don't what to say," he added.
In a later statement, he said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed to have won The X Factor."
Arthur walks away from the talent show with a recording contract and will now release his winner's single, a rendition of Impossible by Barbadian singer Shontelle, in a bid to become the Christmas number one.
After being announced as the champion of the ninth series of the show, a dazed-looking Arthur performed the song for the second time tonight.
He was hugged by Nicole Scherzinger, who mentored both him and runner-up Douglas, the first time a judge has mentored both acts to make it to the final.
The former Pussycat Doll, who looked glamourous in a black fishtail gown, jumped up and down in excitement at his success.
Host Dermot O'Leary said Douglas had been a "terrific runner up" and told the shy singer he thought he had "blossomed" during the competition.
The 24-year-old from Swindon, Wiltshire, was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "I think it's just a blessing to share the stage with such a talent. You're so amazing James, use this platform, use it wisely."
Jahmene misses out on X-factor final as James Arthur announced winner.
James Arthur beat Jahmene Douglas to take the title in front of a 10,000-strong audience at Manchester Arena, with millions more watching the ITV show live on television.
Arthur looked stunned as host Dermot O'Leary announced the result and could only say "wow" when asked how he felt.
Jahmene and Nicole Scherzinger share a microphone during duet
Jahmene Douglas and his mentor Nicole Scherzinger shared a microphone and passed it between themselves during their duet, after one of the microphones appeared to fail.
The pair sang the Whitney Houston classic, 'The Greatest Love of All.'
Who will you be voting for? Chris Maloney, James Arthur, or Jahmene Douglas? This weekend is The X Factor final. It's taking place in Manchester, and that's where Divya Kohli caught up with Swindon's Jahmene - and the judges.
