Sam Bailey has been named the winner of the tenth series of The X Factor with over one million votes.

Last night (December 15) saw Luke Friend knocked out of the competition, leaving Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald to fight it out for the crown.

36-year-old Sam Bailey sang her way to victory with Jennifer Rush’s 1984 hit ‘Power Of Love’ and her cover of Demi Lovato’s ballad ‘Skyscraper’ which will be released as Bailey’s premier single tomorrow (December 16).

‘Skyscraper’ will be a charity single with proceeds going to Together For Short Lives and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The former prison officer - who was been mentored by Sharon Osbourne - has performed a number of challenging songs during the live shows of the X Factor, including Leona Lewis’ ‘Bleeding Love’ and Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

Runner-up Nicholas McDonald sang Sarah McLachlan’s ‘Angel’ and Five For Fighting’s ‘Superman (It’s Not Easy)’ – the latter of which would have been his single release if he had won.

All-star guest performances during the live show at Wembley Arena came from One Direction with a rendition of ‘Midnight Memories’ that saw Niall Horan strapping on a guitar for the rocking number. Judge Gary Barlow took to the stage for a duet with Sir Elton John on ‘Face To Face’, and Katy Perry sang her latest single ‘Unconditionally’.

By winning the X Factor Sam Bailey has secured herself a £1 million recording contract with Syco Music and will be the support act for Beyoncé’s 2014 Mrs Carter Show World Tour UK dates.

Watch Sam Bailey singing 'The Power of Love' below: