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Aided by the spirit of Michael Buble, crooner Leon Jackson triumphed in the X Factor final on Saturday night and said his victory was "the best Christmas present ever."
The Scot beat 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."
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."
Have your say on Leon. Was he the right choice?
