JAMES Arthur is celebrating after being crowned this year's X Factor winner.

The 24-year-old former pub singer from Saltburn, east Cleveland, beat off tough competition from soul singer Jahmene Douglas in tonight's final.

Liverpool's Christopher Maloney said goodbye to the competition on Saturday in the first part of the final.

James sang his favourite song of the series Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On and his winner's single Impossible by Shontelle to clinch the title against Mr Douglas, of Swindon.

On Saturday he wowed the judges with a stunning rendition of the Nina Simone classic Feeling Good before duetting with mentor Nicole Scherzinger on Adele's Feel My Love.

James said the idea of applying for the X Factor came about when he was in his bedsit in Saltburn.

He said: “The X Factor has without a doubt changed my life.”

The singing star was brought to tears after watching footage of his sisters speaking of their pride over what he has achieved over the last few months.

Take That singer and X Factor judge Gary Barlow, who has always been a fan of the North-East star, promised he would download his first album.