Matt Terry has won ‘The X Factor’.
The 23-year-old hopeful triumphed over runner up Saara Aalto in a gripping final, which saw over 6.4 million votes cast for the two contestants.
Speaking through tears after he found out he had won, Matt only managed out: "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
And then it was Dermot O’Leary’s turn to show Matt the cover of his debut single – a lyrically stunning song called ‘When Christmas Comes Around’ penned by pop star Ed Sheeran.
Congratulating Matt on his win, Simon Cowell said: "I want to say to both of you, you came into this final as good artists and you’ve ended it as great artists. The thing I’m most proud about this show – when you see Little Mix and some of the other artists tonight and what they’ve done with their lives – this is why we make this show.
"You are now part of this chapter. What I promise you Matt is we will give you 100 per cent. You deserve this opportunity. Saara, what can I say? You were incredible as well. Both mentors were amazing too. But Matt, this is your night. This is an important record."
And Saara also used the opportunity to thank her fans for their support, whilst also insisting she is "so happy" for Matt.
She said: "Thank you people for all the support. This has been an amazing journey for me. I never thought I could make it this far. I am just so happy, so happy for Matt. Congratulations! I love you!"
During the final, the 12,000 strong crowd at Wembley Arena and the viewers at home were treated to fabulous performances from Kylie Minogue, Madness and X Factor alumni Little Mix and collaborator Charlie Puth. Some of the most memorable auditionees from this series also returned for a unique performance on the Wembley Arena stage.
Throughout the show, Matt’s mentor Nicole Scherzinger heaped praise on the singer for his talent and personality.
After his performance of Sam Smith’s Writing’s On The Wall, she told him: "You were born to do this … You were the reason I was meant to come back to X Factor."
The programme ended with Matt’s first performance of his debut single ‘When Christmas Comes Around’, with profits from its sale going to the Together For Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase charities.
Matt Terry wins The X Factor
