Sunday, 13 December 2009

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Joe McElderry wins The X Factor 2009

Geordie teenager triumphs over Olly Murs

Joe McElderry's new single is ready to download now

Joe McElderry is the winner of The X Factor.

Cheryl Cole's protégé went head-to-head with Olly Murs in tonight's final and over 10 million votes were split between the two lads.

It was 18-year-old Joe who came out on top and mentor Cheryl couldn't have been more proud.

'She's just really, really supportive,' says Joe. 'I think where you're from has a lot to do with how you think and the fact that we're from the same area gives us a bond.' 

Slim Joe used to be a chubby teenager but decided to get fit because carrying the extra weight made him feel so tired.

‘At 15 I decided to start a healthy eating plan,' he explains. 'It was prompted by just feeling I didn't have any energy.

‘I was an active child, but when I hit my teens I discovered computers and the weight just piled on.'

Joe took up jogging and eventually shed the extra pounds. 

Alexandra Burke, JLS, George Michael, Leona Lewis and Sir Paul McCartney all performed on tonight's results show making it a spectacular night in front of the box.

FASHION GALLERY SPECIAL Cheryl Cole's fashion history - the highs and the lows>> 

NEW PHOTOS Cheryl Cole vs Dannii Minogue - who's the most stylish?>>

SEE PICTURES Cheryl and Ashley Cole: The story so far>>

PICTURE GALLERY: Cheryl Cole - from cornrows to curls>>

Don't miss The X Factor live tour, click here to book your tickets now!>>