Leon Jackson wins "X Factor"

LONDON (Reuters) - Scottish singer Leon Jackson is favourite to take the Christmas number one spot with his debut single after his surprise victory in the fourth series of "The X Factor", bookmakers said on Sunday.

The 18-year-old won a million pound recording contract after beating the runaway favourite, Rhydian Roberts, in the reality TV show final on Saturday.

"It's not real," Jackson said, choking back tears after winning a public vote. "It just means the world to pursue this because I love singing. I knew I could change my mum's life and I've just done it."

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said it was a "fantastic victory for Leon and Scotland".

Jackson, a jazzy crooner who used to work in a clothes shop, had been expected to lose to Roberts, from Wales. Ladbrokes said the upset had saved them from a huge payout.

"Leon's win is the biggest shock in the history of reality TV betting," said spokesman Nick Weinberg. "He will definitely be top of our Christmas card list."

Ladbrokes has stopped taking bets on Jackson landing the Christmas number one spot with "When You Believe", a version of the Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey song. William Hill made him its 1-6 favourite.

In the final show, Jackson sang "White Christmas", "You Don't Know Me" and "Better the Devil You Know", a duet which he performed with Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

Earlier this month, he performed with his idol, Canadian crooner Michael Buble, at London's Wembley Arena.