Dalton Harris crowned winner in a star-studded X Factor final

DALTON Harris has been named X Factor champion of 2018.

The Jamaican vocalist beat Scarlett Lee and Anthony Russell to claim a recording deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco Music.

The tense live show, which saw the finalists go head to head at the SSE Arena in London’s Wembley, featured performances from all three acts as well as celebrity guests.

“I just won the X Factor...”, Harris said in disbelief before thanking fans at home for voting for him.

Louis Tomlinson, his coach, spoke for Harris after the singer appeared to become overwhelmed. The former One Direction star told the crowd: “He’s been such a pleasure to work with, a true gentleman.”

Scarlet Lee came second and Anthony Russell took third, saying simply: “This is my life now.”

Russell had been the first to take to the stage, singing indie rock hit, I Predict A Riot by The Kaiser Chiefs. Pogo-ing around the stage to cheers from the crowd, he was joined by The Kaiser Chief ’s frontman Ricky Wilson.

Lee performed with Leona Lewis to the Christmas song One More Sleep.

Judge Robbie Williams told Lee: “We need more people like you in the industry. That’s one of the best British voices in the industry and you just went up there and smashed it, and equalled Leona. That is proof you are a star.”

Harris was next on stage, fresh from being named by guest performers Ellie Goulding and Nile Rodgers as their favourite to win.

He was joined by James Arthur and together they sang Power Of Love. Tomlinson stood to proclaim: “That was a winner’s performance, as far as I am concerned.”

Arthur said afterwards: “One of the reasons I got involved tonight was because of him. Years to come people will be clamouring to work with this guy.”

The finale included performances from Rodgers, Goulding and Take That with Robbie Williams.