Matt Cardle wins the X Factor

Former painter and decorator Matt Cardle won The X Factor last night, pipping Liverpudlian Rebecca Ferguson in the final poll in the ITV show watched by millions.

Cardle, 27, pictured above with mentor Dannii Minogue, sang Many of Horror by Scottish band Biffy Clyro in the final, a track which will now be released as a single and is among the frontrunners to claim the coveted Christmas number one slot next week.

Cardle, from Colchester in Essex, was the bookmakers' favourite ahead of the show.

Meanwhile, Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson and EastEnders actor Scott Maslen were hanging up their dancing boots after last night's semi-final double-elimination on Strictly Come Dancing.

Next week's final will now see actress Kara Tointon, Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and psychologist Pamela Stephenson compete for the glitterball trophy.