Lucy Benjamin wins Celebrity X Factor

Former EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin has become the first woman to win the X Factor.

Benjamin, who went into the final of the week-long competition as bookies' favourite, triumphed in a public vote to win X Factor: Battle of the Stars.

The pregnant actress beat England and Bath rugby player Matt Stevens after performing Donna Summer's Last Dance and See The Day by Girls Aloud.

Stevens narrowly failed to win over the voting public with his renditions of Frank Sinatra favourites, New York New York and Mack The Knife.

After hearing the result a shocked Benjamin declared: "I love singing." She said: "It's nuts. I can't believe it. It's just a massive achievement to have gone from not being able to sing a note to winning the show."

Defeated finalist Stevens said: "I am a little bit disappointed but I guess that's what the show's about."

Benjamin went into the final with odds of 1/2 to win the singing competition, from bookies William Hill, compared to 6/4 for rival Stevens.

Throughout the final it was clear Benjamin was the judges' favourite to win the show. After performing her first song of the night, Last Dance, her mentor Louis Walsh said: "In one week you have gone from contestant to contender. I want you to be the first women to win X Factor."

Fellow judge Sharon Osbourne said: "You owned that stage you were so confident." She even drew rare praise from Simon Cowell who said: "Since I rescued you from elimination earlier in the competition I feel I have become your mentor.

Contestants appeared on the show to raise money for charity.

Other Eastender stars, including Nigel Harman, Wendy Richards, Mike Reid, Michael Greco, Shane Richie and Barbara Windsor  are available for appearances or performances at corporate events.  For further information, please call Speakers Corner on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 email info @speakerscorner.co.uk