CROYDON'S Ben Haenow has been crowned the winner of the eleventh series of the X Factor.
The 29-year-old from Shirley beat Fleur East in tonight's final to win a £1 million record deal and a shot at Christmas number one with his first single, Something I Need, originally by One Republic.
On winning Ben said: "Thank you so much for making my dreams come true everybody!
"There are literally not enough words. I feel on top of the world. I want to thank everybody who voted for me. Thank you Simon for being the greatest mentor in the world."
Ben, a van-driver who lived with his mum before moving in to the X Factor house, was voted the public's winner after performances of his song of the series Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and the winner's single Something I Need by One Republic.
Ben's first performance of Man in the Mirror was so good it melted the heart of previously steely Mel B, who said: "You made me cry a little bit. Job well bloody done."
And more great comments from the judges on Ben's version of Something I Need left him in tears, saying: "I can't believe this has happened to me."
Olly Murs and Demi Lovato, One Direction with Ronnie Wood and Sam Smith also performed on the show.
