Steve Brookstein had to take flak from Sharon Osbourne

The 35-year-old pub singer beat quartet G4 to win a �1m recording contract, with bookmakers beforehand saying the race was too close to call.

Steve had been coached through the series by pop guru Simon Cowell.

The emotion of winning overcame Steve as he struggled to get through his final performance, a rendition of Phil Collins' Against All Odds.

The show has seen its fair share of arguing between the panel of celebrity judges with Sharon Osbourne and Cowell often bickering.

Osbourne, wife of rock star Ozzy, did not hold back in her criticism of Steve in the final show, calling him a fake who was too confident.

Louis Walsh, who mentored G4, also got into verbal rows with his fellow judges.

G4 missed out on recording contract

The format for the show varied slightly from previous ITV talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol in that older performers, groups and individuals were allowed to compete.

The X Factor will return for a second series after ITV announced last week it had been recommissioned.