Leeds-raised singer falls short in X Factor finale

A television audience of 8.5 million tuned in to see the 17-year-old singer-songwriter lose out in the first part of the final to fellow contestants Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald.

Luke, who lived in Chapel Allerton until the age of eight, had clinched a place in the show’s final when he was saved by the public vote after competing in the sing-offs alongside boy band Rough Copy.

Following last night’s programme, he told fans it was the best night of his life and pledged: “Now gonna give back to you by coming out with lots of original music.”

It was prison officer Sam who emerged victorious in the show’s finale, which was screened live from Wembley Arena.

The 36-year-old mother of two has won a recording contract and will support American pop superstar Beyonce on the UK leg of her Mrs Carter world tour in February.

The clear favourite before the announcement, she told the 10,000 fans in the audience that she did not know what to say after being told she had received over a million votes.

Bailey then sang her winner’s song, a cover of Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper, which will go on sale as her first track.