'X Factor' winner to be crowned in four-hour final

ITV has confirmed that the winner of the current series of The X Factor will be crowned in a four-hour finale, split over Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11.

Following in the footsteps of past winners including Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Joe McElderry and last year's Matt Cardle, the winning act will be unveiled after performing what will go on to be their first official single release.



Kicking off at 8pm on Saturday, December 10, the remaining three acts will perform in front of 10,000 people at Wembley Arena - the first time X Factor has been staged outside of its home at Fountain Studios.

ITV has teased that viewers can expect "big surprises" as "some amazing international guest stars" will perform on stage.

On Sunday night, the final two-hour show will begin at 7.30pm. As well as featuring more guest performers, the two remaining finalists will sing what will become their winner's single, before the public's champion is announced.



Release details for the track have yet to be confirmed. Despite previous tradition of the song being released on the same night - entering the Christmas number one chart race - this year's festive chart-topper will not be announced until two weeks later on December 25.

2006 winner Lewis has told Digital Spy that she will be among the guests taking to the stage over the weekend.

The X Factor semi-final takes place this weekend as Amelia Lily, Little Mix, Marcus Collins and Misha Bryan compete for a place in the final.

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