Little Mix, big triumph as the girls win the X Factor

Little Mix were crowned winners of the X Factor tonight after a marathon musical standoff with fellow finalist Marcus.

Over two hours, the finalists slogged it out, performing song after song in an attempt to win your votes – but in the end, the glory went to the first ever group to win the contest – Little Mix.

The girls have had an uncompromising time on the show – having been cobbled together at boot camp, then having to change their name from Rhythmix midway through the series. But as the weeks went by, it became clear that they were no run of the mill group, and that they had the talent to go all the way to the final.

On tonight’s pyrotechnical final show, Marcus performed series favourite Your Love Is Lifting Me Higher and a slightly shaky version of Last Christmas, complete with obligatory shout of ‘Happy Christmas’.

Little Mix performed the song that changed their fortunes on the show – Don’t Let Go by En Vogue, and followed it up with an emotional version of Silent Night, complete with sparkly Christmas jumpers.

The two finalists then performed their version of the winner’s single – Cannonball by Damien Rice. Marcus’ version came complete with a doom-laden Hammond organ backing, while Little Mix performed a lighter version with low-key backing under a cone of lights.

Long and emotional

Then the emotional tinkly piano music appeared as if from nowhere, presaging hanky-time throughout the nation, as tear-strewn testimonials from friends, family and celeb fans poured in.

The judges were clearly running out of comments by the end of the show, with Tulisa’s repeated exhortations to the public to vote for her girls, and Kelly prefacing everything she said with ‘once again…’. After two long hours, it seemed everyone was running out of showbiz steam.

Peppered between the finalists’ songs, Westlife took to the stage for their farewell performance of What About Now? and Coldplay turned in an extended performance, after which, Chris Martin gave some sage advice to the winner: ‘don’t get so sweaty’. Hm, not sure you can build a career on that advice, but thanks anyway.

High point of the evening for me was when the mighty Goldie made it back on to the stage to liven things up with some last-ditch contortions in a gold lame creation. Now that’s entertainment.

But as Dermot said in the closing minutes of the show, tonight belonged to Little Mix.

What did you think of the final? Did the right act win? Let us know below.

Christmas on BT Vision

See the very best films, TV, music, kids’ shows and more to watch this month.

Catch up on BT Vision