Joe, 18, a student from South Shields, was shocked and almost speechless when presenter, Dermot O’Leary, named him as the winner of the £1 million recording contract. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said later, “I just feel like I’m floating.” He couldn’t stop smiling throughout his final performance of Miley Cyrus’ hit song, The Climb, which will be released as the X Factor winner’s single.

Despite coming second, Olly Murs praised Joe calling him “phenomenal”, going on to say “the best guy won”. According to figures published by the X Factor, Joe received nearly twice as many of the 10 million votes cast as Olly in the final show, which was watched by 20 million people.

Joe’s win is the second consecutive victory for his mentor Cheryl Cole, after she steered Alexandra Burke to the title in 2008. Cheryl who is from the same area as Joe said, “I’m absolutely delighted… the right person won. I’m so proud of you. The North East are going to be going mad.”

Simon Cowell, who mentored Olly throughout the competition, was as gracious as Olly in defeat. He commented, “I’m gutted for Olly” but “thrilled for you because you’re brilliant”.

Dannii Minogue also faced disappointment after her last remaining act, Stacey Soloman, was voted out in Saturday’s show. She reappeared in Sunday’s show, performing with all 12 of the X Factor finalists in a version of Take That’s, Never Forget, which opened Sunday’s final show.

Of course this news should come as no surprised to First News readers, who predicted Joe’s victory in our poll. Anna Corderoy cast her vote and picked Joe as her winner saying he has “a lovely voice” while Joe-fan, Rebecca Tyrell, commented that he is “a real star”.