Leon kicked out by mum before 'X Factor'

Leon Jackson had been kicked out by his mother before he auditioned for The X Factor.

The 18-year-old Scot, who triumphed in last weekend's final, was told by his mum Wendy that he was "wasting his time" by singing in karaoke bars.

Following the heated row, Leon ended up staying in his car until he found a friend who was willing to let him sleep on his sofa.

"Leon's row with his mum was a turning point," one friend, Gavin Murphy, told the Sunday Mirror. "It gave him the push to get through that audition and win. He told me his mum wanted him to go to college and get a proper job.

"But he told her that while doing karaoke he'd realised something about himself - he loved singing. They had a blazing row and she kicked him out."

"It was this that gave him the determination to succeed," Gavin explained. "He felt guilty and desperately wanted to prove to his mum he wasn't a waster - he had the talent to go all the way. Now it's great for everyone to see he has made up to his mum and made her so proud on the show."

Leon's debut single 'When You Believe' is expected to be confirmed as the Christmas number one later today.