Entertainment

Little Mix crowned X Factor winners 2011

Little Mix have been crowned this year’s X Factor winners.

Tulisa Contostavlos’ girlband became the first group to ever win the contest, after beating Marcus Collins in the public vote.

After the result was announced, member Jade Thirlwall said:

"We're just so, so grateful and thankful to everyone who voted. All the X Factor team have been brilliant, we're so grateful."

Host Dermot O’Leary then presented the group with a copy of their winner’s single CD, a cover of Damien Rice’s Cannonball.

Fellow bandmate Jesy Nelson said:

The X Factor 2011
Who did the girls beat
to claim the crown?

"This is never going to sink in. Seriously, we cannot thank the public enough."

Runner-up Collins took his defeat well, telling O'Leary:

"I'm really proud of myself and these girls really deserve it. They're amazing.

"I felt the performances went well, I enjoyed them and I hope everyone at home did."

Amelia Lily found herself voted out of the competition on Saturday night after an underwhelming duet with judge and mentor, Kelly Rowland.

However, even X Factor's-history-making result couldn’t save the show from being beaten in the ratings yet again.

Saturday’s edition was down three million viewers on last year and was beaten by Strictly Come Dancing.