Little Mix win 'The X Factor' 2011

Little Mix have been crowned the winners of The X Factor 2011.

Tulisa Contostavlos's girlband beat Marcus Collins to the title in tonight's Wembley Arena final, cementing their place in X Factor history as the first group ever to win the show.



Upon hearing the result from host Dermot O'Leary, the girls and their mentor screamed and huddled together in shock, before rushing over to hug Collins and his mentor Gary Barlow. Afterwards, Contostavlos held Jesy Nelson close to her and the two sobbed together.

"We're just so, so grateful and thankful to everyone who voted," member Jade Thirlwall commented. "All the X Factor team have been brilliant, we're so grateful."



Little Mix were then presented with a copy of their winner's single, Damien Rice's 'Cannonball', which Contostavlos held aloft in victory.

"This is never going to sink in," Nelson said. "Seriously, we cannot thank the public enough."

Runner-up Collins was gracious in defeat, telling O'Leary: "I'm really proud of myself and these girls really deserve it. They're amazing.

"I felt the performances went well, I enjoyed them and I hope everyone at home did."



Barlow declared that Collins had been an "amazing contestant", adding: "I absolutely enjoyed every minute I've spent with him. He's done brilliantly, be proud of yourself, mate. Well done."

Little Mix brought this year's X Factor to a close with an emotional rendition of their debut single 'Cannonball', which they broke off as their fellow finalists rushed on to congratulate them amid a storm of confetti.

Speaking later on The Xtra Factor, Leigh-Anne Pinnock stated: "I am so proud of us. We never expected to get this far, let alone win. It's just insane!"



Nelson added that viewers had "made [their] dreams come true", and when asked about her expectations for their debut single, said: "It would be amazing if it could go to number one. We're just so happy to be here right now."

Little Mix performed a reprise of earlier song 'Don't Let Go (Love)' by En Vogue and Christmas track 'Silent Night' on their way to being crowned champions.

They yesterday impressed viewers with a rendition of 'You Got The Love' and an 'If I Ain't Got You/Empire State Of Mind' Alicia Keys mash-up with Contostavlos, which allowed them to stay in the competition over third-place finisher Amelia Lily.