X Factor finalists step out for the first night of their tour... and guess who's stealing the spotlight again

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Standing out: Cher Lloyd leaves her Birmingham hotel ahead of tonight's X Factor tour opening night


She may not have the best voice of the competition and didn't even make it to the grand finale of the series.

But the X Factor contestant who has undoubtedly stolen the spotlight since the season ended before Christmas is 17-year-old Cher Lloyd.

And the teen ensured she will remain in the headlines today by stepping out ahead of tonight's X Factor tour opening night looking perfectly turned out.

The Worcestershire singer dyed her brunette hair flame red and had it styled into a bouffant crop earlier this month during rehearsals for the arena tour.

The new look - a copycat style of trendsetter Rihanna - came after she jetted back into town from Los Angeles.


Red hot: Rebecca Ferguson's trousers matched her fellow finalist's hair but were no match for stealing the spotlight


Cher is the only contestant to have laid down tracks for a new album, under Simon Cowell's label Syco, which is already on pre-sale for an August release with Amazon.

The teen wore a conservative beige blazer over rust red trousers and a silk print scarf and boots.


Casual: Winner Matt Cardle and controversial contestant Katie Waissel dressed down to head to the Birmingham LG Arena


Her transformation is a departure from her usual urban style of trackpants and baggy jumpers.

Even Rebecca Ferguson bright tomato red trousers couldn't steal the spotlight from headline-grabbing Cher.

The 24-year-old mother was typically elegant in a Chanel-style tweed jacket and heels.

Winner Matt Cardle was far more casual as the group left their hotel, in a zip-up jumper and trainers.


Fan favourites: One Direction's Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson looked confident ahead of tonight's show


He appeared to be taking every precaution necessary to ensure he is fighting fit for the tour, which ends in Cardiff on April 10.

He clutched a packet of Berocca tablets and a bottle of water.

The One Direction boys and controversial contestant Katie Waissel were also casual for the ride to the arena.

Mary Bryne, Paije Richardson and Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho will also take to the stage tonight to kick off the tour.


source: dailymail

Cheryl Cole set for Stateside fame and fortune after she lands her dream job on U.S. X Factor

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

The American dream: Cheryl Cole, seen here in Venice today, will be headed Stateside after all after she was named as a judge on the US X Factor today


Speculation has been rife for months now as to whether or not Cheryl Cole will be a judge on the US X Factor.

But today a source told Mail the Girls Aloud star WILL be heading across the Pond for the American version of the talent show.

The source said the 27-year-old singer has been offered the job but has yet to officially ink the deal.

The news comes a day after a report in the News Of The World claimed the hugely popular X Factor judge is in line to sign a deal worth £10million next week.

Although boss Simon Cowell was keen to take Cheryl to the States for the show, producers over there had been concerned that not only was she not famous enough in the US, but some viewers might struggle to understand her Newcastle accent.

But after Fox executives were impressed with her style on the British show, Cheryl has apparently been given the opportunity to make a name for herself in the US.

When asked for a comment, Cheryl's spokesperson said: 'There has been no announcement on American X Factor,' adding any reports to suggest she had been formally invited to be a judge as 'speculation'.

However, in the last week, fears have been raised over the singer's health after she nearly cancelled a gig in Venice.


Geordie girl done good: Cheryl left Venice today as it was confirmed she is set to take the US by storm


Cheryl nearly pulled out of a performance at a private party in the north Italian city for which she was paid £250,000.

Her manager Hilary Shaw was said to be on the verge of tears after her client cancelled flights and other arrangements at the last minute.

She was overheard saying: 'It's been a terrible week. She's cancelling everything. I'm really worried about the repercussions.'

But Cheryl kept the date and arrived at the party just hours before her performance at the bash.

Other friends have suggested that Cheryl is still struggling to come to terms with her divorce from Chelsea star Ashley Cole last September, but this job in the US could be just what she needs to move in.


On the water: Cheryl is helped out of a boat after her performance at a private party in Venice on Saturday


Despite rumours that she has landed the X Factor job, she did not appear or was not mentioned on the first American X Factor ad which was aired on Sunday night during a commercial break in the Super Bowl.

The 30-second promo, which would have cost around $3million to air, revealed that the show is coming to the Fox network in the autumn.

The clip shows X Factor 'X' symbols flying in slow motion, before forming into Simon Cowell, who then turns to face the camera, with epic music playing in the background, and the slogan 'He's back' filling the screen.

Up until now details of the US version have been a closely guarded secret, but the music supremo has now revealed that the winner will walk away with a staggering $5million recording contract.


Guess who it is: Flying X Factor symbols form to create Cowell in the commercial


Winners of the UK series are awarded a £1million contract.
And in a move sure to raise eyebrows, hopefuls as young as 12 will be able to audition.

'I like the idea that a 12-year-old on this show can compete with an older singer and a singing group,' Cowell said in a statement.

'I’ve never believed there should be a cut-off age for talent, and we are going to put our money where our mouths are with the $5million recording contract.

'I’m doing this show in America because I genuinely believe we can find a superstar.'


Comeback: Simon Cowell featured in the first American X Factor ad which was aired last night during a commercial break in the Super Bowl


THE X FACTOR - UnXploding Simon


source: dailymail

'He's Back': First American X Factor ad airs during Super Bowl commercial break

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making a comeback: The first American X Factor ad aired tonight during a commercial break in the Super Bowl and features Simon Cowell, a judge on the British version of the show and formerly of the American Idol


Commercial doesn't reveal full judging line-up but Cheryl Cole will get job, source confirms


His caustic put downs and straight-talking style have been missed by viewers of this season's American Idol.

But Simon Cowell will be making a comeback to U.S. TV screens this autumn - with the X Factor.

An estimated 100million viewers in the States saw the first ever ad for the talent show air tonight during a commercial break in the Super Bowl.

The 30-second promo would have cost around $3million to air and revealed that the show is coming to the Fox network in the fall of this year.

The clip shows X Factor 'X' symbols flying in slow motion, before forming into Simon Cowell.


Guess who it is: Flying X Factor symbols form to create Cowell in the commercial


He means business: Once formed he then turns around to face the camera, with a serious look on his face


He then turns to face the camera, with epic music playing in the background, and the slogan 'He's back' fills the screen.

Despite reports that Cheryl Cole, one of the judges in the British version of the show, will be joining the line-up, the commercial didn't give a hint of who might be on the U.S. panel.

Miss Cole's people are yet to comment on fresh reports the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star has landed a role.

At first it looked like she had bagged the job after Fox executives were impressed with her style on the British show.

Reports this month then suggested her hopes were dashed after bosses became concerned she was not famous enough in the U.S.


Be prepared: Cowell will be the top judge on the show, which is hugely successful in the UK, but the rest of the judging panel was not revealed


Not long now: The ad, which would have cost around $3million to air during the highly lucrative Super Bowl slot, revealed the show is coming to the Fox network this autumn


However the British Daily Express today reported she had been given the job.
A source told The Sun: 'He wants the show to be the best talent show ever. Details about the judges will be released next week.'

Other stars who have been touted to join the U.S. panel include Nicole Scherzinger and Katy Perry.

Both filled in on the British show this year at various point for Cole, who was struck down with malaria, and Dannii Minogue who was on maternity leaving during the auditions stage.

Meanwhile X Factor host Dermot O' Leary, 37, has said he is unlikely to get a spot on the US version.

He told Chatty Man host Alan Carr: 'i don't think I'll get it. I'm not being pessimistic. It's gone on so long I've made peace with it.'


Tough-talking: The British judging line-up is comprised of Cowell, Cheryl Cole, who has been tipped to get a role on the U.S. show, Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell


THE X FACTOR - UnXploding Simon



source: dailymail

Cheryl gets the Cole shoulder in U.S. as Simon Cowell is set to miss new series of X Factor

On the rocks: Both Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell are facing X Factor strife


Cheryl Cole’s hopes of conquering America have been struck a huge blow.

The ambitious singer thought she was a certainty for a judge’s chair on the American X Factor, but TV bosses across the Atlantic now doubt that she is ‘famous enough’.

It has been reported that the 27-year-old’s rivals for the chair include superstars Rihanna and Katy Perry.

A source close to Miss Cole, who has been househunting in LA, said: ‘It was thought the American job was a done deal but it seems the U.S. executives have had a last-minute change of heart.

'They are now questioning whether she’s famous enough in America.’
According to the source, Simon Cowell is doing ‘everything in his power’ to persuade U.S. bosses that Miss Cole is the right choice to sit alongside him.

Miss Cole’s setback emerged as Cowell, 51, was locked in his own X Factor battle.
The Daily Mail has learned he will miss the majority of the new series of the British X Factor, forcing frantic ITV chiefs into a fight to keep their biggest star.

The network has even offered to pay for a private jet to whisk him across the Atlantic every week.

Cowell was made the offer after he told ITV he would join the talent show for only the live shows and miss the auditions because he will be launching the American X Factor.

A source said: ‘Simon’s biggest priority is the U.S. X Factor at the moment – he has got a lot to prove and he has to make it a hit.’
Cheryl herself admitted last year she wasn't quite sure if Americans would know who she is.

She said on Radio 1's Live Lounge: 'They don't know me out there and I've got this weird accent. I love the thought of it and would love to do it.


source: dailymail

Matt Cardle 'spends New Year with X Factor dancer Sarah Robinson'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New relationship? Matt Cardle is rumoured to be dating X Factor dancer Sarah Robinson


X Factor winner Matt Cardle has apparently found love with stunning dancer Sarah Robinson, who he met on the ITV show.

The 27-year-old singer was said to be instantly attracted to Sarah when he met her at the beginning of the live programmes and, after weeks of flirting, the pair decided to give their relationship a go when he was crowned winner of the talent contest.

And things are going so well for the new couple that Matt even spent New Year with Sarah, 24, in her hometown of Newcastle after enjoying a quiet Christmas with his family in Essex.

A source told The Sun: 'Sarah is really stunning, Matt's a lucky boy. They were getting close during their routines but the flirting was spilling over after the show.

'Matt travelled to Newcastle and they checked into a hotel. They have gone from strength to strength.'

Sarah, who has been a backing dancer for stars including Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey, caused such a stir on this year's show that she was banned from dancing with One Direction because she made them too nervous because of her stunning looks.

The relationship is the latest pairing for Matt, who has already made a name for himself as something of a ladies' man.


In action: Matt has already found huge success since winning The X Factor last year


As well a rumoured relationship with the X Factor's stylist Grace Woodward and make-up artist Lauren Clements, he was also seen kissing former S Club 8 singer Stacey McLean.

And all Matt's reported flings come after he was quoted as vowing to stay single after winning The X Factor.

Referring to his womanising image, Matt said: 'I could have a worse reputation - it’s not a terrible thing to be accused of, but at the end of the day I’ve not done anything with any of these women I’m meant to be with.

‘I honestly haven’t touched anyone since I’ve been in this competition. It’s a bit weird, you think your private life will stay private for a little bit longer than that.





source: dailymail

She's got the X Factor: Leona Lewis turns up heat in Miami in hot pink dress... and Natasha Bedingfield flashes some flesh too

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Sizzling: Leona Lewis looked stunning in pink as she performed at the Jam On The Sand New Year's Eve party last night


She is undoubtedly the most successful X Factor contestant of all time and judging from her performance last night it’s easy to see why.

Dressed in a show-stopping short fuscia dress, which emphasised her killer curves, she did what she did best and sang her heart out.

Performing at the New Year’s Jam on the Sand party in Miami beach, the 25-year-old beauty belted out her anthem Bleeding Love.


Sultry: Leona opted for feline-inspired eye makeup and wore her hair loose


As wind blew her hair back and the trail of her skirt billowed she leaned forward to reveal an impressive cleavage.

Covered from head to toe in glitter with sequins adorning her dress Leona glistened on stage as she sang.

And it wasn't just Leona who was flashing some flesh on stage as the singer was flanked by two dancers who had their shirts unbuttoned.

One of whom was her new boyfriend German dancer Dennis Janch, who she has been dating for several months.

The gorgeous singer demonstrated her impressive vocal range as she sang the melancholy love song, which reached number one in 30 countries around the world after being released in October 2007.

As the song finished and the crowd cheered Leona shouted: ‘Thank you so much have an amazing year good night!’


Great abs: Natasha Bedingfield also took to the stage in Miami and flashed a toned midriff to the crowd


Also performing at the Jam on the Sand party, Natasha Beddingfield who performed showing off her midriff and her husband, who she brought on stage for a New Year’s kiss.

Dressed in leather trousers, a pale orange blouse and structured jacket Natasha sang her set before dragging husband Matthew Robinson out in front of the crowd for a smooch to see in the New Year.


First kiss of the year: After performing Natasha brought her husband out on stage for a smooch

source: dailymail

Hitting the big time: Cher Lloyd performs to a small crowd in Birkenhead...and Wagner was there too

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Big star? Although she has been tipped for chart success with will.i.am Cher Lloyd had to settle for playing to a crowd of a few hundred in Birkenhead last night


Being a finalist on The X Factor can bring varying levels of post-show fame.

Something Cher Lloyd found out when she had to settle for the small time performing to a small crowd in Birkenhead last night.

The 17-year-old wannabe sang at the Pacific Road Arts Centre alongside fellow X Factor finalist Wagner Carrilho as winner Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson wowed a crowd of thousands as they performed at Twickenham.

Despite the differences in venue it's early days for post-X Factor fame and Cher has been named as the most-talked about celebrity of the year.

Cher was the most discussed person using a combination of Google searches, YouTube views, Tweets and Facebook likes, a study compiled by Agency PHD found.

Cher has also been tipped to expect some serious chart success alongside will.i.am. who has revealed the pair have made a single together.

The Black Eyed Peas star tweeted: ‘The day after the last xfactor…cher loyd (sic)and I went in the studio and made a mega smasher.’

He also posted: ‘@CherLloyd hey cher, when should we release the song we recorded in London???...(It’s a smasher)


Headliner: Cher performed to the crowd who were also treated to a performance by Wagner


But although collaborations with the American star will no doubt lead to international recognition for now at least Cher has to settle on small time gigs.

The moody teenager took to the stage in black harem pants, an 80’s inspired print hoody and a denim jacket.

After being booted off the X Factor Wagner told the crowd he would be ‘gone gone gone’, but he has refused to leave the limelight and also took to the stage in The Wirral.


X Factor? Wagner performs to a capacity crowd at the Pacific Road Center in Birkenhead last night


And it seems the 54-year-old has picked up a loyal army of fans during his stint on the show.

Wagner enjoyed a taste of the dizzying heights of stardom, performing to a capacity crowd...in Birkenhead.

His followers at the Pacific Road Arts Centre were eager to catch a glimpse of the silver haired warbler.

He is arguably the least talented contestant to have ever made it through to the live shows, but a lack of singing ability and good looks has not stopped this Brazilian.

His followers surged forward as he went to greet members of the crowd and it seemed that fans could not get enough of him.

Many pushed forward to greet the X Factor finalists and others took out their mobile phones for a quick snap.

In return, or perhaps as punishment Wagner treated viewers to a set which saw him playing a set of drums and shaking his hips looking very confident on the stage.


Doing a Jedward: Despite a lack of good looks or talent, Wagner still has a loyal following and he greeted the crowd who pushed forward to meet him



What a difference: Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson took to the stage at Twickenham to sing to thousands as Cher and Wagner performed in Birkenhead


As Cher and Wagner performed to a crowd of hundreds, Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson were wowing thousands of spectators at a rugby match at Twickenham.

Wagner bowed out of the singing show alongside Katie Waissel in November after the show’s judges voted unanimously to send him home.

After it was announced he would leave Wagner told Dermot: ‘Like a bat out of hell, I'll be gone, gone gone’ and ‘I loved every moment that I spent here, and I have achieved so much.’

But it seems for the moment at least that Wagner can enjoy a Jedward-style notoriety and he will be joining the rest of the X Factor finalists on the X Factor tour, which begins in February next year.


The X Factor: Cher Lloyd's X Factor Audition (Full Version) - itv.com/xfactor



The X Factor: Wagner sings She Bangs/Love Shack - The X Factor Live - itv.com/xfactor



The X Factor: Matt Cardle sings Just The Way You Are - The X Factor Live show 2



The X Factor: Rebecca Ferguson's X Factor Audition (Full Version)


source: dailymail

Hat's not very stylish: Rebecca Ferguson hits a rare fashion low in daft blue hat at Twickenham

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

What are you wearing? Rebecca Ferguson wears an unusual blue hat as she performs at the Harleqins V London Irish rugby match at Twickenham Stadium


Since her first audition last summer, X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson has won over fans with her stylish dress sense.

But it appears even fashionistas such as Rebecca can have an off day as she performed at a rugby game in a bizarre blue hat last night.

The mother-of-two's delicate features were overshadowed by her pillbox hat, which appeared to be sprouting long blue feathers over a foot long.

The Scouser, 24, belted out Show Me Love - which she performed on the X Factor semi-final - as she joined the programme's winner Matt Cardle at Twickenham stadium.

The two X Factor finalists sang prior to the Big Game 3 between the Harlequins and London Irish in south west London.

One fan at the game was clearly unimpressed with Rebecca's hat. Mark Nicolson wrote on Twitter: 'Rebecca Ferguson singing at eh rugby way eh. Stupidest hat ever.'


Contrasting: Ferguson's headgear faux pas ruined an otherwise stylish ensemble of fitted coat and sparkly shirt


Despite her questionable headgear, Ferguson did impress the thousands in the stadium with her powerful singing voice.

Writing on Twitter, she enthused: 'Had fun singing Show Me Love at the Big Game 3. Great crowd xxx.'

Also writing on his Twitter after the gig, Cardle said: 'Just finished Twickenham... Was amazing! Thank you so much.'


Throwing himself into the performance: X Factor winner Matt Cardle also sang


Also sharing the turf with them was X Factor 2009 contestant Jamie 'Afro' Archer, who performed The Mighty Quinn.

Despite Cardle winning the show, it appears controversial contestant Cher Lloyd was a bigger talking point this series.

The 17-year-old has been named as the most talked about celebrity newcomer this year in a digital buzz list - compiled from the amount of times she appeared in Google, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube hits.

While winner Cardle was second on the list, boy band One Direction and Katie Waissel were third and fourth place respectively.


Remember me? Jamie 'Afro' Archer, from X Factor 2009, joined the 2010 alumni at the gig


Although she divided viewers, the Malvern wannabe is already eyeing chart success with the help of Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.I.Am.

The pair performed a duet on the X Factor final and according to Will, recorded an original one straight after.

Writing on his Twitter page on Monday, Will said to Cher: 'Hey Cher, when should we release the song we recorded in London??? (It's a smasher).

'The day after the last X Factor...Cher Lloyd and I went in the studio and made a mega smasher.'


x factor Rebecca Ferguson



X Factor winner Matt Cardle is Xmas No1



source: dailymail

'I feel like Becky again!' X Factor's Rebecca Ferguson gets back to normality as she goes Christmas shopping in Liverpool

By SARAH BULL

Shopping trip: X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson steps out in Liverpool yesterday to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents


She's had an action-packed few months, become a national sweetheart and coming second on The X Factor.

But, for the festive period at least, it's back to normality for Rebecca Ferguson, who was spotted doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in Liverpool yesterday.

The 24-year-old singer admitted she was looking forward to taking some time away from the spotlight to spend Christmas with her children Lillie, six, and four-year-old Karl.


Military chic: Rebecca looked chic in a navy and red coat, black tights and cute black suede


She said: 'It’s so nice to be home for Christmas. I feel like Becky again. We’ve got our tree up. I just wanted to get a few more treats for the kids.

'They’re really excited. I’m looking forward to Christmas with my family and my babies in Liverpool.'

The singer looked stunning in a military-style red and navy blue coat, teamed with black tights and cute suede boots for her shopping trip, and was mobbed by fans as she got out of her taxi ready to hit the stores.


Singing star: Rebecca performing during the final of The X Factor


Rebecca, who won the nation over with her down-to-earth attitude during her time on The X Factor, also admitted she was finding it strange not being part of the reality show.

She added to the Liverpool Echo: 'I’m going to miss everyone, especially One Direction and Matt, but I’ll see them all on the X Factor tour next year.

'Doing The X Factor was very emotional. I first auditioned in March so it’s almost been a full year for me.

'I want to thank everyone that voted for me and supported me. I want to tell them I’m so happy. It’s not the end!'


Rebecca Ferguson and Christina Aguilera sing Beautiful - The X Factor Live Final


source: dailymail

Watch out Kris! X Factor winner Matt Cardle admits he has a crush on 'gorgeous and incredible' mentor Dannii Minogue

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Promotional tour: Matt Cardle at a book signing for his autobiography Matt Cardle: My Story in Manchester today


She's the mentor who believed in him from the very beginning, and helped him win the final of The X Factor.

So it's no wonder Matt Cardle has more than a little respect for Dannii Minogue.

But now the 27-year-old singer has revealed he liked Dannii more than a friend, admitting he found it difficult to resist her 'incredible' blue eyes.


Admission: Matt revealed he has a crush on his X Factor mentor Dannii Minogue


Asked who he found more attractive, Cheryl Cole or Dannii, Matt replied: 'Dannii, definitely. I have a thing about blue eyes and Dannii has the most incredible eyes.

'She's wicked. She's clever, funny and gorgeous - the best mentor I could have had.'

And Matt is already thinking about the perfect Christmas present for Dannii, although he admits he is struggling to come up with ideas.


'She's gorgeous!' Matt and Dannii together at the X Factor final


He told Grazia magazine: 'Dannii is at the top of my presents list. I need to get her something special, but I have no idea what! What the hell do you give to Dannii Minogue?'

Since Matt won the X Factor earlier this month, there has been a lot of speculation about his personal life, especially when he was pictured flirting with former S Club Juniors singer Stacey McLean last weekend.

However, Matt, who was seen at a signing for his autobiography My Story in Manchester today, insists he is very much single.


Busy boy: Matt signs copies of his book at Selfridges in Manchester



Popular: Many girls had queued for hours in a bid to catch a glimpse of the singer
He said: 'What can I say, I love women. I'm a young bloke, I'm single and I'm no angel, but I don't see myself as a typical babe magnet.'


During his time on the ITV talent show, Matt was rumoured to have started dating show stylist Grace Woodward. But the singer refused to confirm or deny the reports.

He said: 'I'm too much of a gentleman to say anything - I don't kiss and tell. When I first met her, I was terrified.

'She was so confident and ballsy but we hit it off. The whole process is so stressful and Grace was a great support.'

Matt has already found huge success since beating Rebecca Ferguson to be crowned the winner of The X Factor, and achieved his first number one with his debut single When We Collide in the Christmas singles charts on Sunday.

And he says he is hoping the success will continue, adding: 'I want people to realise this is something I've spent all my life trying to make happen.

'I'm not going to put on a suit and say I'm a pop star. I'm going to write songs, I want to break America, I want to work the hardest I've ever worked.'


The full interview with Matt appears in Grazia magazine, out now


Matt Cardle Punches Dannii Minogue in The Face 12/12/2010


source: dailymail

Ladies' man: Charmer Cardle parties with former S Club girl at his hotel - despite 'no women' pledge after winning X Factor

By JODY THOMPSON

Eyes down: X Factor winner Matt Cardle appears to be checking out Stacey McLean's rear view as they walk down a corridor near the suite at London's May Fair hotel where he currently lives


Just last week he pledged he was giving up women to concentrate fully on his new career - but former painter and decorator Matt Cardle celebrated landing his first solo Number One last night with a beautiful brunette.

The sex-mad single Essex lad, 27, had said he'd sworn off the ladies so he could knuckle down and capitalise on his X Factor win.

But after going straight into the singles charts at Number One last night with debut solo single When We Collide, he was spotted with former S Club Juniors' and 2009 X Factor wannabe Stacey McLean, 21, at his hotel.

The pair had met earlier - and flirted outrageously - at an S Club Juniors reunion party that evening.


Close: Matt smooths Stacey's hair, unaware he's been seen


They then decided to continue the party at the hotel's Palm Beach Casino next to the hotel, but had to brave the cold night air - and photographers - to get there.

Asked just last week about how girls would now throw themselves at him following his victory in the X Factor, he said: 'It is pretty shallow and I am wary of why they are like that. I am not thinking about sex.'


You bet: Matt gambles on continuing the good time by taking Stacey - and his bodyguard - to the Palm Beach Casino near the hotel


Despite being being linked with stylist Grace Woodward, dancer Sarah Robinson and make-up artist Lauren Clements during the series, Matt insisted: 'I am not going to let things get in the way. I'm really going to knuckle down.

'I want the songs right, the album right and my career right before I think of anything like that.'


When we collide? Stacey seemed very attracted to Matt as they chatted in the bar at the May Fair Hotel, just hours after he learned he'd landed his first solo Number One



'Look, you're No. 1'! Stacey appears to be showing Matt the singles chart on her phone



You're so funny!: The former S Club Juniors star made a big show at laughing at all of Matt's hilarious jokes


However, it seems his head was somewhat turned last night by former teenybopper Stacey, nickname CeCe.

She was in S Club Juniors, also known as S Club 8, along with Frankie Sandford and Rochelle Wiseman, now of The Saturdays. They group - an offshoot of S Club 7 - split in 2004 after just three years together.


Sunday night out: The Saturdays Rochelle Wiseman and Frankie Sandford both joined their former S Club Juniors bandmates for a reunion at the May Fair Hotel last night



One night only: All eight former members of S Club Juniors pose for the camera at London's Jewell bar earlier in the evening (L-R), including Hannah Richings, Stacey, Calvin Goldspink, Aaron Renfree, Daisy Evans, Frankie, Rochelle and Jay Asforis


However, Stacey has yet to match some of her former bandmates' successes, and though she auditioned for the X Factor last year, only got down to the last six.

She's about to star in G*MANIA, a Glee-inspired musical about to tour the UK.


All smiles: Matt shows no sign of his big night out as he gets ready to sign copies of his new book at Waterstones in London


Matt meanwhile is meeting his adoring public later today with the launch of his autobiography at Waterstones flagship London store on Piccadilly.

Matt Tweeted: 'Looking forward to the book signing :) waterstones in Piccadilly if anyone fancy's some light reading this morning, if anyone fancy's some light reading ! Xx love u aiden . . Xx'

Matt Cardle: My Story was rush-released after he won the X Factor final on December 12.

He beat Rebecca Ferguson into second place and One Direction came third.


Matt Cardle - When We Collide (Official Music Video 2010)



source: dailymail

X Factor winner Matt Cardle is Christmas Number One with debut single When We Collide

By SARAH BULL

Success: Matt Cardle, seen out in London last night, has achieved the Christmas number one


X Factor winner Matt Cardle has clinched the Christmas Number One with his debut single When We Collide.

The 27-year-old singer's cover of Biffy Clyro's track sold 439,000 copies in six days, and beat stars including Rihanna to the coveted top spot.

After finding out he had achieved the Christmas number one, Matt said: 'I can't believe it. As if winning wasn't enough. I honestly didn't think I'd even make it on to the live shows, let alone win and now be the Christmas number one.

'I can't even begin to describe how if feels. It's nuts, crackers and crazy. To think that many people have supported me and bought the record is absolutely mind blowing.'


Popular: Matt's cover of Biffy Clyro's When We Collide sold 439,000 copies in six days


There have been various internet campaigns to stop Matt getting to number one, including a re-release of the original track from Biffy Clyro, called Many Of Horror.
However, the track only charted at number eight.

Other attempts came from The Trashmen, who reached number three with their novelty track Surfing Bird, and anti-X Factor project Cage Against The Machine.


Matt, who beat Rebecca Ferguson to be crowned the winner of The X Factor earlier this month, told fans on Twitter he was incredibly excited about finding out the chart results, tweeting: 'Off to capital radio. . ! So exited. . May be a little bit of wee. . :) xx'

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot described Matt's sales figures as 'a truly impressive achievement'.

He said: 'Besides being a record for a non-charity single this year, it might even have been higher given the freezing conditions which have gripped the UK in the past couple of days and which have kept many consumers off the high streets.'


Matt Cardle playing the paint shade challenge at the Big Top 40


source: dailymail