14/12/2009

Millions Watch Joe's X-Factor Victory

Over 17 million television viewers watched 18-year-old Geordie Joe McElderry scoop the 2009 X Factor crown last night.

He beat-off fellow finalist Olly Murs, 25, to take the ITV show's title.

Early overnight figures suggested 15.5 million people watched the full two-hour final.

Audience figures peaked at 8.30pm, which dropped slightly for the winner being announced.

The programme attracted around 56% of the total audience share.

Joe, from South Shields, was the bookies' favourite to win the talent show.

It is believed he took almost two-thirds of the 10 million telephone votes cast.

Last night, ITV revealed the teenager had topped the show's phone votes for the last four weeks.

Joe's debut single The Climb was released today and is expected to become the UK's 2009 Christmas number one.

Speaking to GMTV this morning, the new X Factor champion said: "I think it is going to take a long time to sink in. It was just amazing, it has been the best experience of my life."

(PR/KMcA)

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