Leon King

UNDERDOG Leon Jackson was last night crowned the shock winner of X Factor.

The 18-year-old shop assistant, who began singing just months before the series began, pipped red-hot favourite Rhydian Roberts with a last-minute surge of votes.

With just seconds until vote lines closed at 10.30pm there was just one per cent between the finalists.

After the result was announced the Scot broke down in tears and said: "As it went along I knew I could potentially change my mum's life, and I've just done it."

He now wins a £1 million recording contract and will see his version of new X Factor Christmas song When You Believe in the shops by Wednesday.

As he tearfully accepted his congratulations, Leon was hugged by girlfriend Emily Biggs, 17, from rival contestants Hope.

Presenter Dermot O'Leary joked: "I'll have to prise Emily away from you, Leon."

Leon, of West Lothian, was the first Scot to reach the final of X Factor, creating a battle with the Welsh public voting for their hero, opera singer Rhydian.

Speaking minutes after his victory, at a midnight press conference, he beamed: "I've won a million quid, and changed my life forever."

And the 18-year-old shopping assistant revealed he now plans to buy a house for loving mum Wendy.

Laying a loving hand on his mum's shoulder, Leon said: "I'm stunned. I've changed mine and my mum's life.

"I'm so young. I'm only 18.

"My mum has always looked after me, and I said would look after her. I'm really pleased.

"My birthday is coming up so this is going to be the best Christmas and birthday ever."

The teenager, from West Lothian, said his style of music was world's apart from runner-up Rhydian.

He said: "I think me and him are drastically different. I have got a jazzy and contemporary style and he's a classical artist."

More than 12 million people watched Scot Leon beat red-hot favourite Rhydian Roberts to take the X Factor crown.

It marked a major triumph for stunning mentor Dannii Minogue - who had backed both the final pair.

Leon's proud mentor Dannii said she recognised Leon's massive talent from the first moments she met him, as a shy hopeful.

"When we were in Ibiza I told him 'If you don't believe in yourself just remember that I believe in you'.

"The minute he took hold of the reins and he said 'This is my shot at it', that's when he grew in confidence.

And Leon added that he hoped he may even get to duet with the Australian pop princess.

He has already sang with both her singer, Kylie, and Canadian crooner Michael Buble.

Leon said: "Hopefully there will be an electronic mix with Dannii to come."

An X Factor source said: "It was the huge Scottish vote that did it. Leon had massive regional support."