After a superb final, interrupted only for one last performance from the strange array of tone-deaf celebrities and an "exclusive" performance of Shayne Ward's rather tedious new single, the worthy winner was crowned: Lucy Benjamin.  A well-deserved win, especially since she was virtually the only one who could really sing, eventually.  I know that's true, cos Mr. Simon told me.

Lucy, who had pleaded to be voted off the show at the beginning of the week, began to enjoy it mid-week, and ended up determined to win commented: "This is NUTS!"

X-Factor fans only have a few months to wait before series 3 begins in the autumn. [John Beresford]