2010 X Factor

Matt Cardle began his X Factor journey as favourite with the bookies and won the show as predicted,  The painter/decorator won the hearts of the nation with his unique voice , guitar playing and personable character even though second place was taken by Rebecca Ferguson, whose voice outshone all of the competitors.  Her command of the ballad was second to none, but ballads were certainly not as in vogue in 2010 as when Leona Lewis won.

Third place was secured by boy band One Direction, mentored by Simon Cowell who was hoping he coul finally be the one to enable a group to win the show.

Dannii Minogue was the winning judge.