Cardle: 'Victory was mindblowing'

Matt Cardle has described winning The X Factor as "mindblowing".

The Essex singer, who triumphed on last night's two-hour extravaganza, confessed that he never thought he would get past the initial stages of the competition.

"Not in a million years did I think this could happen," he said. "I didn't expect to get through bootcamp, let alone Judges' Houses. To get to the live shows was a blessing and to get through each week was a blessing.

"The other guys in the live shows are so incredible. To be the last one standing is mindblowing."

His mentor Dannii Minogue said that she couldn't wait to see her act's reception when he returns to his local pub The Five Bells. She also praised runner-up Rebecca Ferguson, describing the single mum as a "beautiful woman".

Cardle's mum also praised her son's efforts on last night's Xtra Factor, revealing that she had always believed he had what it takes to make it in the music industry.

"I'm still shaking, I'm just so proud of him," she told Konnie Huq. "It was a fantastic competition and I think he's done a fantastic job to win.

"I've always believed in him. I always knew that he was brilliant. It's just great to know everyone else does as well."