James Arthur is X Factor champion

Singer James Arthur was crowned 2012 X Factor winner in front of a 10,000 strong crowd at Manchester Arena, landing himself a record deal and a shot at the Christmas charts. The 24-year-old from Saltburn, near Middlesbrough, beat Jahmene Douglas in Sunday's final and his winning song, a rendition of "Impossible" by Barbadian singer Shontelle, will now be bidding to become Christmas number one. Asked how he felt on winning, Arthur said: "I don't know. Thank you, thank you so much." Judge and mentor Nicole Scherzinger added: "When I watch you up there you just bring so much spirit and hope to the show. When I watch you sing I just feel safe. You're an angel." It was the first time that a judge had mentored both finalists.