A house painter with Irish ancestry has won the X Factor.

As he celebrated his victory, Matt Cardle revealed his family were originally from Ireland.

"They left for England during the potato famine. We were originally 'McArdles' but we lost the 'Mc' over the years," he said.

As usual, pop judge Simon Cowell was the real winner with an estimated 20 million viewers tuning in, bringing in a record-breaking £25m (€30m) from advertising.

No wonder show creator Cowell has seen his personal stock rising by £40m to £165m in the past year.

The night had begun with finalists Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson and boyband One Direction chasing the final prize of a £1m record deal.

One Direction performing a cover version of Natalie Imbrugulia's hit 'Torn', were an early casualty of the first elimination.

"I'm absolutely gutted for them, but all I can say is this is just the beginning for these boys," their mentor Simon Cowell said, as he joined the group, which includes Mullingar teenager Niall Horan, on-stage to say farewell.

One Direction member Zain Malik added: "We're definitely going to stay together, this is not the end."

Legal secretary Rebecca Ferguson and rival Matt Cardle then both performed their winner's single.

Following Cardle's performance, a cover of Biffy Clyro hit 'When We Collide', judge Cheryl Cole told him: "You sang that from the depth of your heart. Whatever happens tonight I wish you the best of luck."

Simon Cowell added: "Back to business . . . thoroughly well deserved both of you. Matt, that was an incredible song. The best performance of the whole series so far, but I can't call this. I have no idea what is going to happen."

Rebecca Ferguson then sang her winner's song: a cover of Duffy track 'Distant Dreamer'.

"That song was absolutely perfect for you Rebecca," Simon Cowell told her.

Dannii Minogue added: "Rebecca, that was a beautiful performance and I'm so glad you turned up at auditions."

Her mentor Cheryl Cole then told her: "I could talk about this girl all night. You've been a dream to work with and I hope you realise your dream tonight and are crowned winner."

However, moments later Matt was announced winner of 'The X Factor' 2010. His shock was apparent.

"I just wanted to thank everyone who voted for me. I want to thank Dannii and all the judges," said the 27-year old.

All the drama was over until next year. But with Simon Cowell preparing to launch a version of 'The X Factor' in the US, there is some doubt if 'Mr Nasty' will be appearing on next year's 'X Factor'.

These rumours were fuelled when Cowell was asked if he would commit to next year's show and he would only say: "The show will be back."

Source Irish Independent