Simon Cowell has said both of the X Factor finalists did an amazing job in this year’s competition.

Speaking after Matt Terry beat Saara Aalto to be named this year’s winner, Simon said they had both improved over the series.

He said: “I want to say to both of you, you came into this final as good artists and you’ve ended as great artists.

“The thing I’m most proud about, about this show, is seeing Little Mix and some of these other artists tonight, what they’ve done with their lives and this is why we make this show. You are now part of that chapter.”

The music mogul told Saara she had been “incredible” and ended saying: “But Matt, it’s your night and this is an important record, you know why.”

Following Matt’s win, Simon promised him “we’ll give you 100%”.

Runner-up Saara thanked everyone for their support.

She told host Dermt O’Leary: “This has been an amazing journey. I’m just so happy for Matt, congratulations, I love you.”