Geordie Joe has the X Factor

Joe McElderry said it was the best experience of his life as he won the 'X Factor' and a life-changing record contract last night.

The 18-year-old student from South Shields is now odds on to win the Christmas number one with his debut single 'The Climb' after beating rival Olly Murs in the hit ITV1 show with almost two thirds of the 10 million votes.