'X Factor' winner takes Christmas No 1 spot in UK

'X Factor' winner Leon Jackson has capped an "amazing year" by claiming the coveted Christmas number one in the UK.

The Scottish star's debut single 'When You Believe' was predicted to out-sell its rivals and 275,000 copies were snapped up this week - more than the rest of the top 10 combined.

Jackson's release was also the fastest-selling single of the year, despite the controversy surrounding his win over Rhydian Roberts on the ITV show.

The 18-year-old from West Lothian said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. It's the best Christmas and birthday present ever. Having the Christmas number one is an amazing ending to an amazing year and I'm overwhelmed and thrilled. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me."

This time last year, the former shop assistant was working late night shifts at a Gap clothes store before auditioning for the television talent show.

Celebrity Dannii Minogue, Jackson's mentor during 'The X Factor', said: "It's amazing to have been a part of 'The Leon King's' success story. He totally deserves this Christmas number one as the nation have been with him every step of the way since we fell in love with him at his first 'X Factor' audition.

"It's been a pleasure to nurture Leon's raw talent and I know he will deliver a debut album we will all be proud of."

Jackson's release is the third consecutive 'X Factor' winners' single to top the Christmas chart and follows in the footsteps of 'A Moment Like This', last year's festive hit from Leona Lewis, and Shayne Ward's 2005 track 'That's My Goal'.

Katie Melua and the late Eva Cassidy's cover of 'What A Wonderful World' fell one slot to number two and next was Lewis' latest release 'Bleeding Love' which also fell a place.

Up four to number four was the old Pogues and Kirsty MacColl hit 'Fairytale Of New York', which was given a boost by the furore surrounding Radio 1's ill-fated decision to censor the lyrics,

Despite singer Amy Winehouse's personal problems, the Mark Ronson track 'Valerie', which features her vocals, is up three to number eight.