SINGING sensation Matt Cardle has been crowned X-Factor champion.

SINGING sensation Matt Cardle has been crowned this year’s X-Factor champion.

The popular 27-year-old, from Little Maplestead, near Halstead, stole the show in last night’s final.

The former Suffolk schoolboy broke down in tears and hugged mentor Dannii Minogue when the result was read out.

He was mobbed on stage by his fellow contestants as he sang an encore of his Christmas single, a version of Many Of Horror (When We Collide) by Biffy Clyro, which comes out this week.

Speaking after last night’s result an emotional Cardle said: “There isn’t enough time to thank everyone. I don’t know what to say.

“Not in a million years, I didn’t expect to get through boot camp, let alone the judges’ houses. To get to this point up against these guys [other contestants], they are so incredible. To be the last one standing is mind-blowing.”

It also emerged last night that Matt had consistently polled the most public votes in each week of the competition – justifying his position as the bookies’ favourite. He has now won a lucrative recording contract.

After the result was announced, his thrilled mother Jenny, who was at the final with husband David, said: “I have always believed in him. I am just so proud of him. It was a fantastic competition and he has done a fantastic job.”

Cardle, who went to Stoke College, in Stoke by Clare, near Sudbury, was up against Rebecca Ferguson in the final after boy band One Direction failed to get enough votes to reach the final stage.

Mentor and judge Dannii Minogue said: “He totally deserves it. Rebecca was incredible competition.”

Cardle’s version of When We Collide received a standing ovation from the four judges. Speaking after the performance he said: “Its just the best feeling in the entire world. I’m just so lucky to be here now, still. It’s just so great.”

Judge Louis Walsh said: “Wow. Matt, you sang every note like you meant it. It’s a brilliant contemporary pop song. It would be a number one record. I’m looking forward to hearing your album because it will be contemporary pop at its best.”

Fellow judge Cheryl Cole said he sang from “the depth of his heart” while Simon Cowell said it was his best performance of the series.

Cardle opened up last night’s show with a stunning version of Katy Perry’s Fireworks.

He told host Dermot O’Leary, who grew up in Colchester: “There’s no real words to describe how it feels to be here. I’m just so honoured and lucky to still be standing here and to do it for everyone.”

Simon Cowell described him as “absolutely fantastic” while Cheryl Cole also heaped praise on the painter and decorator.

Cardle breezed through to the final three after winning a standing ovation for a stunning duet with Rihanna on Saturday night’s show.

He sang Dido’s Here With Me before performing with the R’n B star, singing her hit Unfaithful.