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Xmas gift for Leon

16/12/2007

New X Factor champion Leon Jackson says winning the ITV1 talent show is the best Christmas present he has ever had.

The teenager was a 6/1 outsider to claim the X Factor crown but ultimately beat 1/3 favourite Rhydian Roberts by just one per cent in the public vote.

According to Labdrokes Leon's win is the "biggest shock in the history of reality TV betting".

He is now set to earn a £1 million record contract and go straight to number one with a cover of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's When You Believe.

Speaking after his shock victory, the 18-year-old from West Lothian said: "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.

"I've just won a £1 million record deal and I've just changed me and my mum's life forever."

Leon, who looked visibly shocked after last night's result was announced, said that he was "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," he added.

His triumph has also caught the eye of Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond, who has praised the teenager's success.

"The whole of Scotland was cheering him on and he did it," the Scottish National party leader said.