Matt Terry crowned X Factor 2016 winner

Matt Terry has been crowned the winner of X Factor 2016.

In an action-packed final spread out over the weekend, 6.4 million people voted for the 23-year-old former waiter to beat fellow finalist Saara Aalto to claim the prize of a recording deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco label.

After saying goodbye to 5 After Midnight on Saturday night, Matt and Saara performed for their last time as contestants on Sunday evening. On the night, Matt performed an excellent cover of Randy Crawford’s ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ (better known as this year’s John Lewis advert song). Meanwhile, Saara stunned with a show-stopping performance of ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ by Whitney Houston.

X Factor host Dermot O’Leary then took to the stage to reveal Matt as the winner of the competition.

A visibly shocked and emotional Matt jumped into mentor Nicole Scherzinger’s arms and said: “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Following the announcement, Matt performed the Ed Sheeran-penned winner’s song ‘When Christmas Comes Around’ for the first time. It’s a typically Sheeran style emotional number, and to make it even better – it’s a Christmas-themed track.

Speaking after his win on the Xtra Factor, Matt said: “I just can’t believe it. I want to say a thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has believed in me and wanted to win.”

Nicole Scherzinger was completely delighted by the news, exclaiming: “I feel like I’ve won X Factor too!”

On Matt’s incredible talent, Nicole added: “He just has it. You’re either born with it or you’re not, and he has it.”

‘When Christmas Comes Around’ by Matt Terry is available to download and stream now – and is already tipped by bookies for Christmas number one.