Both of the singers have been offered a recording contract according to the papers so what is the big deal. I agree that supporters of both Rhydian and Leon would have had trouble getting through. If Rhydian is the big star everyone is saying with his recording contract he will be very successful. I feel sorry for Leon it is not his fault that the phones lines were or were not a problem , what should be a happy time for him and his mum is turning into a media fiasco for all the wrong reasons.

Debbie, Grays, Essex

So Rhydian is: "arrongant" (sic) - "arrogent" (sic) - "arrogant" - "egotistical" - "ungracious" - "conceited" - "a bad looser" (sic) - "full of pride". He also "didn't keep a dignified silence" - "wanted to play the public for his selfish gains" he also had "fake humility". He'll go far in show business!

He's got a bit of talent, but that hopefully won't get in his way too much.

Seriously though, Leon can't sing and I agree "will be forgotten by the summer".

Deejay, Reading, UK

I couldn't get through also and everyone I've spoken too has said the same thing. I think its shocking. I would still like to buy Rhydian's version of the song as I thought it was much better. Will it be available in the shops, as I'd love to buy it.

paula, cardiff, uk

Leon did improve during the contest from terrible to barely acceptable. He sang out of tune nearly every show. He was very much a one dimentional performer. His personality was flat and boring as was his voice. He is pretty so I expect lots of girls voted for him solely on that criteria. That said he does have potential as a crooner with a lot of coaching.
Rhydian on the other hand showed promise from the start. He has a very good voice and he knows it. I cannot hold that against him. His performance had colour and sparkle. I am sure he will be a world class star with the right management.
To conclude remember that the show is called the X Factor and X is short for unknown. If X means talent, looks and personality then Rhydian should have won hands down. If X means sex appeal, innocent charm and potential then Leon could certainly have won on that basis.
Personally I voted for no one because
Simon Cowell is plenty rich enough not to appeal to my charitable instincts.

Steve Lane, Brighton, UK

Honestly guys... don't any of you have anything more important to worry about?

Geta Life, Cambridge, UK

I feel that Rhydian should have won it, a far better singer than leon who has a much too limited range (pitch wise).
Leon only won because of his sob story, this isn't a 'compelling story competition'. Its about talent, every single judge admitted Rhydian would do far better and had the better voice on the night.

Craig, London, UK

Of course the show was rigged you only have to watch & listen to the panel after Rhydian's last song (BEFORE the voting had ended) - they knew the 'result'!!!! Cowell looked embarrassed - probably because he expected the teeny bopper (same Difference)voters to vote for Leon but was disappointed to find Rhydian was the out and out winner. Isn't it odd how Leona last year never had a problem with phonelines despite being the overwhelming winner!!!!

Leon was the one that Simon Cowell wanted to win - he is young - sings ok (needs singing lessons to help him 'breathe' in the right places) and can be moulded into what Cowell wants him to be! Rhydian is not that easily manipulated!

The real issue is whether people who phoned in were duped - and when the fix went in! ! This programme generated millions of pounds of phone money over the weeks it was screened. IF it was fixed them all the participants have cause to sue the production company AND money would have to be returned to the people!

Sheena Brown, Southsea, Hants

To Marianne Waters and any moderator

Your quote "Welsh are indeed, bad losers!" is racist. Please can this be deleted. This is a terrible comment and I fear for your grandchildren if you hold such prejudiced views.

Pa, London, UK

i tried to get through for same difference from the start to the end but could not get through why doesnt anyone care about them.i think theres was also rigged. i do not like leon as i think he sings like a cats choir. did not expect same difference to win but come second with rhydian first so very shocked with results. will def not be buying his record as he cannot sing

julie smith, runcorn , cheshire

according to lewy walsh, jackie should have been in the final
not- same difference,- its all a fix. more the tears more the votes
its a scam, for get the ratings up, are you telling me after the
verbal abuse they gave the other performers in the auditions
then come on the final show, joe public must be more stupid
than i thought, graham, stoke-on-trent;

graham allbutt, stoke on trent, u,k.

I am not a fan of the pseudo classical record market.
I always feel, that, punters who buy this style of music, do so, because, it is thought, that by 'doing' so, they are buying into the classical music scene.
Most have never seen an opera in their life!
However, there are a few singers, who, rate in this category, but, mostly, the singers are second rate.
This is the style of music Rhydian slots into.
Apart from 'Phantom of the Opera', no other role, is especially suitable for his weird persona.
When, compared to another famous baritone, the late Howard Keel, you must see my point.
His voice just does not hold up!
He is a reasonably competent amateur singer and nothing else!
A passing fact, why is it that I have never seen any of these classical 'hit 'cds in anything other than the 'bargain' bins in record shops?

prudence eely bond mcguire, LONDON, ENGLAND. UK.

My mum loves Rhydders. She couldn't get through to leave her vote, and was outraged when Leon won. She says that she won't be watching the X-factor next year. What a shame! We all know that Rhydian is a better singer - he was robbed!

Outraged from ilkley

oscar barber, ILKLEY,

well to be honest leon cannot sing bless him. n i voted for rhydian lots n lots of times n i never once got through so explain that every other x factor i have got through with out any problems so how come i couldnt this year and rhydian has got an amazin voice and was favourite from the start then suddenly he wasnt!!! it all seems like a fix if you ask me!!! plus all the scottish will vote bcoz he is from there rydian shud of won hands down

jade hammond, scunthorpe, england

Come on people, OFF COURSE THEY ARE RIGGED, all these shows are fixed. I can"t understand why anybody bothers to vote, it is just a waste of money calling.

Dario, Europe,

Rhydian's fans weren't the only ones having difficulty voting. I found it almost impossible to get through for Leon at times.

Rhydian and his family are sore losers. The end result is that the better man had more votes and won. A big well done to Leon. :)

Issy, West Yorkshire,

What a shame for Leon.

I was very suprised he won but I didnt think much of the other one either. It is not as if either of them were fantastic.

But hey, Leon is young and very unconfident and I for one am very happy for him. I never buy singles but I will download Leon's song on principle. The principle being cannot understand why there are so many idiots ranting on about vote fixing.

Well Done to LEON!! I bet that gets a few of you blowing your top!

Zoe, lancashire, uk

I tried to vote for Leon and the line was dead, sour grapes I would say on Rhydian's part!!

Shanne, Lerwick, Scotland

This is a repeat of 2004 when Steve the crooner beat G4.
How many opera fans watch X-Factor? Leon was most popular on the night but like G4 Rhydian could still be successful.

Quentin, Reading, UK

Given the amazing amount of enthusiasm for a talent show, contrasted with the general voter apathy come general election time, I think the political parties should learn from this - perhaps there could be a six-week televised talent contest at election time, with the less popular parties getting knocked out in the preliminary rounds and the eventual winner getting a four-year contract to run the country - certainly seems like more people would get involved and actually care about the results.

Ruth , Glasgow , Scotland

My comment is directed to Micheal Rudge, who also left a comment stating that 'I am convinced this was a deliberate ploy to reduce voting for Rhydian, and assist in giving the prise to the English contestant, as apposed to a Welsh one'
You cant really believe this as the Welsh act, Rhydian, actually was more succesful than the english act, same difference.

Jacqlyn Truten, Glasgow, Scotland

I love Rhydian's voice and I hope after all this BAZAR he will anyway record the album. I will definitely buy it!!!

Best luck!

maija, Dublin, Ireland

First we phoned for Same Difference as many times as we could from the time the lines were open until the time they were closed and we did the same for Rydian on the actuall final and none of our calls got through. I think people were blocking the lines for Same Difference and Rydian.

Leah Naglik, Bromley, United Kingdom

Well done You Gerry!
The more people we have in this country paying attention to what is really going on, instead of what the media feeds us, is a truly positive and wonderful thing!

Dave A, liverpool, england

Rhydian was treated appallingly from the start with Sharon ok if one cant sing Rhydian can. he did not ask for that hair style the show did! The X Factor should BAN all these sob stories I have dozend but it doesnt mean I can sing. Rhydian can sing Leon fans will say they couldnt get through as well obviously. We will never know nor can we change it so I suggest they let Rhydian do a record of some sort and see how it goes. This all sounds like the war of the roses. Cowell said he was world class so let some one put their money where their mouth is and let him try! I have nothing against Leon I liked them both but in all honestly Rhydian is the best singer-they are different types some people like red wine some people like white wine who is right! Let them both do their own thing and have equal chances to prove themselves.

chris, London, UK

All I can say is that not one person that I know who tried was able to get through to vote for Rhydian. I can understand high call volume, but if there were so many calls that thousands were unable to vote, then surely he ought to have won???

Rachel, Luton,

lets face it he's going to have a career anyway so what is the point in fussing over all this. it wasn't a fix leon's lines were messed up as well it took me 15 minutes to get through to his.

Lydia, London, England

rhydian as far as i am concerned was to robotic as if someone had poured a bottle of starch over him good singer but not for the general public only the welsh would vote for him

macca, edinburgh,

5 million Scots, 3 million Welsh. It's simple numbers - assume Scotland and Wales voted for their respective contestants, and assume the neutrals (English) were balanced.

Where's the conspiracy?

Jim, Edinburgh,

Rhydian has shown us all that he is a bad loser who didn't deserve the title. I tried to vote for Leon but I was told the line was busy and to phone back.
Why can't the Rhydian Fans just be happy for Leon? Rhydian has got a record contract anyway now so he didn't need to win.
I was never a fan of Rhydian from the start he was too big headed for my liking.
Leon deserved the title and I hope he enjoys the opportunity he has been given.

Jack , Bedford, UK

How stupid of the Welsh and anyone else for thinking that ITV have rigged the voting. After all the problems of late and the fines handed out do you really think anyone would be stupid enough to rig a phone vote? Get a life!!! Leon has a fantastic voice considering his voice is yet to be fully trained. Rhydian sings anything up tempo like some kind of musical robot. Admitted the way he sings anything else is fantastic it's not fair to say that Leon has not got the X Factor and that Rhysian should have won. The public voted and Leon won , get over it.

Stuart, Cumbria, UK

leon is the peoples choice rydian is a cry baby though i managed to vote for leon 5 times my daughter a few miles away could not get through to vote or he would have had another 5 so grow up rydian and stop throwing your dolls out the pram .............lorri edinburgh

lorri a, edinburgh, scotland

Audition: Leon states his love for the Beatles
Boot Camp: He's a shy lad there to do the best for his mum
Live Shows: He's suddenly a poor Ray Quinn/Robbie Williams
Live Final: More crocodile tears
1 day later: to quote the lad himself "bring on the groupies"

When will you people learn that the media creates the person you all want to see? It's frankly embarressing that Simon Cowell feels the need to insert a disclaimer after Ryds last performance stating that if the award went to the most talented person he would get it. Almost in preparation for the inevitable crowning of Leon, given victory through small mindedness and the duped masses.

Phil Jacobs, Leeds, UK

Until the final, I hadn't seen this years X-Factor, I believe that Leon should not have won. Rhydian will, without a doubt have the last laugh, as did Group 4, Rhydian will be still standing long after the Leon fans have moved on to the next heart throb of the moment. Unfortunatey may of the general public do not recognise amazing singing when they hear it, and whether you like it or not Leon does not have the X-Factor. Time will tell.

Angela Eminson, Mansfield, Notts, uk

If Rhydian's fans experienced difficulties placing votes, then undoubtedly Leon's fans did too. I think they both deserved to win equally, and it would be in the record producers best interests to offer them BOTH a record deal.

Sheila, Devon, UK

since day 1 rhydian was very arrogant even the look is full of pride he might have good personalty but is he is arrogant he should sit down and look at other singer and learn any way he is aloser bcos of pride in him anybody seen him for d first time will not like him

agnes, london, uk

I don't even like this this years show, but when 1000 people complain there's got to be something wrong. You would never here about 1000 complaints in and of the previous shows.

Jo, Doncaster,

Has everyone forgotton what Rhydian said when he first auditioned, "I deserve to win, there is no one in the competition as good as me,... I am classically trained" He was arrongant & Sharon & Dannie throught his attitude was awful. He changed tact & then became Mr Humble, but a lepoard doesn;t change its spots and the true Ryd is back, truth is that on the night people preferred a non classically trained singer, someone who was hunble from the start & not someone who wanted to play the public for his own selfish gains!!

Susan, Duffield, England

Well you havn't hear Same Difference complaining that it was fixed.

Rhydian has shown that all the humility he showed during the series was fake. I thought he was a great singer, and would have been a worthy winner, I also think he has had all the opportunities in life that Leon hasn't.

Leon came in with a good voice and no confidence, that took guts, and he deserved his win. With the right support he can become very sucessful. I supported Rydian but would not be interested in him now. Much as I hate to agree with Sharon, Rhydian is arrogent and concieted and a bad looser.

Jane Ross, Reading, Berkshire

From Aberdeen in Scotland I voted for Rydian as he was BY FAR the better singer. I got through no bother at all for the semi final part but when trying for the all important final there was no chance at all. The funny thing was my friend voting from my home got through no bother at all at this time to Leon's number as did my little grandaughter who voted for Same Difference!! So the comment about all the votes going to one platform must surely be wrong? I was really angry to think there could be duplicity and therefore tried again and again to vote for Rydian with no success. Even if Same Difference had won there would be no anger as they were so completely different in style, content and look I could have been happy for them to win BUT to see a magical singer like Rydian with a definite personality who could really have made something of himself from the show pipped at the post by Leon, who hardly sung in tune murdering White Christmas- words fail me !! NEVER VOTE AGAIN!!

Shirley Wilson, Aberdeen, Scotland

Disapointing that Rydian has not kept a dignified silence, what a bad loser he is and how arrogent of him, he obviously believed the media and bookies hype that he was the favourite, How petty and mean spirited that radio stations in Wales won't play Leon's single.

Leon won fair and square, I expected Rydian to win until Same Difference went out, as most of their fans are younger I felt their second favourite would be the more contemporary Leon. Ryd has a great voice but his style is not to everyone's taste.

There is nothing to gain from the least popular act winning, that won't get the single sold. I liked both of them but I preferred Leon's version of the winners song. Leon has got a good voice, with some stage craft coaching and more confidence he can be as sucessful as Michael Buble.

People should just get over it, tales of children sobbing because their favouritte didn't win is ridiculous.

I wish Leon the best of luck, he is an inspiration to other young people

Jane Ross, Reading, Berkshire

i agree - leon has the X Factor - sharon was right he has it in his eyes. THis just shows how arrogant Ryd really is - what a bad loser. I also tried to get through to vote for Lean but couldnt. We are all proud of you lad - Hey Kylie, why not release your song with Leoan as a single it was fantastic?

paula hollyman, stafford, england

When reality shows put their trust in the vox populi (rather than judges) then the winner's the winner for a good reason. Look at the winners from Strictly Come Dancing, Big Brother, Celebrity...and X Factor. Some choices might raise eyebrows, but the public (almost) unerringly pick their winner - without sentiment - from the heart. They pick the person, not the one who ticks most boxes. Just look at the ungracious, egotistical foot stamping, sulky losers and you can see why they went home early. Or in some cases, didn't stop on for the wrap party...

What excuse will the whinging Rhydian fans use for his not winning when the Ofcom investigation shows there was no vote-rigging in Leon's favour? I expect silence.

HPK, Thatcham, UK

Get over it. My daughter tried for an hour and a half to vote for Leon and couldn't. Sour grapes springs to mind. The person saying he can't sing is either a jealous fool or tone deaf.
He is a cracking little singer who will get even better.

John Alexander, Oban,

i had to phone 33 times before i got through for leon some very bad losers

gail ford, ormiston, scotland

Incredible. Leon just cannot sing. He came in flat on most occasions and eventually got there. However think of Lamar. He lost and is now the much bigger star. I doubt that we will remember who Leon is by the summer.

Andrew, London,

i was trying to vote for leon and could not get through. i tried at least 12 times and did not get through and i was voting for leon i think the lines where just very busy... i am glad he won

diane, sunderland, tyne and wear

Rhydian was always the clear winner in my eyes. He sang the best on each show and sang the best on the night. Lon was a good singer but he could only sing 'crooner' style ad stuggled n the sng for christmas. I beleve it was fixed, hy else would Simon say Leon when talking to Rhydian. The truth comes down to Simon pulling the strings and getting what he wanted.

Matt Carr, Stowmarket, Suffolk

its my oppinion that rydian done a fantastic job with catherine jenkins ,it was superb were as leon,with kylie minogue outragious outfit and the red piano,was to viewers left to imagineation and that dannie minogue new what she was doing to get herself more publicity,as for the phone lines i think it was rigged

f hamilton-jones, luton, bedfordshire

Well done to Dannii. She was belittled a lot by the male judges as the rookie, but did better than any of them. Okay, so Rhydian's a better singer than Leon, but coming second means he's not tied to a particular record deal and can make his own choices - perhaps he'll be grateful eventually. As for the Welsh radio station which won't play Leon's single as a protest - how infantile!

Pam, Nottingham,

Surely Simon Cowells "slip of the tongue" while speaking to Rhydian and the difficulty in voting would seem to suggest that it was bias in its final outcome, The X Factor is a money making farce that sadly used to be good telly, frankly think it had its day now, the standard this year wasnt as high and the chosen song, was NOT the right song for either finalist and sounds dire to be fair, how about a recount Mr Cowell, it worked for George Bush.

Nicki Baxter, London, UK

well i won't buy any of leons stuff and that is because he is the same rubbish winner xfactor has seen many times before rhydian would have made something in his section of the industry. I don't even like his type of music but i know a talented man when i hear one. Isn't that what xfactor is about?

nicole, sunderland,

very poor show by the Ridd and his millionare family,he had classical singing lessons all his life,and wanted for mothing ,his graciousness in his defeat ,is now seen as a sham,and he is now seen what he is ,a very poor egotistal and ungraciuos loser
I am from Scotland ,and i coudnt get through ,to even suggest the vote was rigged ,is utterly ridiculous,Do you think after all the phone scandals the producers of the show ,would not have made sure that the vote was as scrupiously fair and honest as possible
The actions of the Ridd and his family are contemptious.to and add fuel to the phone vote conspiracy,is a disgrace.not only for himself but his country wales
By these actions and the behaviour of others i.e certain radio stations in wales not to play leons single ,i have nothing but utter contempt,as well as those with other agendas,I thought the welsh were a proud and sporting nation ,but cannot forgive them for this shameless spectacle of trying to deny leon his deserved win

stephen, johnstone, scotland

I meant to say in my previous comment that this is a dream come true for young Leon, and what a pity it would be if sour grapes ruined it for him.

Pam, Nottingham,

We spent ages trying to get through but no luck due to a busy network issue with BT.
The issue here isn't about who won, but about the winner being put through by luck of who manages to actually vote!

It's no point having a voting contest based on luck!

Tony, Newport, Wales

Well the utter nonsense spouted above can be shot down by a few words: Leon was SCOTTISH! It shows how much you actually watched the show if you think he was English.

Leon won, fair and square. Fans of both reported trouble in getting through, but you aren't going to see 1,100 Leon fans complain to Ofcom about that, are you?

Irrelevant anyway, as figures released by ITV suggest that Leon polled the most votes most weeks of the competition and had an extra 10% of the final vote come Saturday night.

Jamie D, London,

Rigged? I really doubt it.
I voted at the last moment for Leon and was answered immediately.
The best act won on the night.
I just hope, this, obviously 'sour grapes' tantrum and 'domino effect' complaints, will not damage, this lovely young boy's chance at success.
Kylie and Michael Bubble, obviously, believe in him, too. Their praise has been effusive.
Just live with it ,Rhydian, you were pipped at the post.
That's Show Biz!
I, for one, will certainly, buy Leon's cd.

prudence eely bond mcguire, LONDON, ENGLAND. UK.

i called 20 times to try to record a vote for leon before finally getting through , lines were very busy!

Lesley , Glasgow,

Just for the record - I tried voting for Leon over 20 times during the final and was unable to get through. Who knows how many more votes would have been logged for Leon if the lines weren't so busy. This uproar only makes my estimation of Rhydian sink further than it already was.

Anne, Newport, Wales

Poor showmanship Rhydian - Leon won the contest fair and square. Engaged lines, if anything, show the huge number of people actually on the line voting for Rhydian. I myself tried to vote for Leon and kept getting an engaged tone or was just cut off. Why would it be rigged in favour of Leon anyway?

Lynsey, Manchester,

I smell a rat.
During the xfactor show we tried over and over to register our vote for Rhydian, and had no luck in getting a connection, I am convinced this was a deliberate ploy to reduce voting for Rhydian, and assist in giving the prise to the English contestant, as apposed to a Welsh one, ( I am English)
I think a investigation should take place to find out just how many voters could not get through to cast there vote, and a new vote should be arranged, with an independent watchdog.

Michael Rudge, Criccieth, Wales

i just want to tell everyone who complained that i am a big fan of Leon since the auditions.But that doesnt mean that i didnt have problem with the voting .I did have.Big time.But why was that?Thats normal there are so many people voting.I voted three times and for each time i wa trying to dial over and over again for more than 10times.So the conclusion is that if there were problems with the voting for Rhydian it doesnt mean that it was made on purpose.Its because of the network operators and because so many people were voting.Leon had the same problem.But he won coz he deserved to won,He was truly the
best.

Tanya Pandurska, London, England

UNBELIEVABLE result if judged on singing. How can as reported someone who entered competition on a whim and "only sang in the bath" beat a "singer" s it because he was a clasically trained opera singer Or is there another reason ? Why as reported ,over 700 complaints have been made ? No other Xfactor has had this controversy regarding the RESULT.

Ronald Jones, Maidenhead, uk

I am also one of many that could not get through on Saturday nights X Factor. Both myself and my partner made approximately 15 attempts each, but to no avail. I am disgusted and it has left a bad taste in my mouth. I have been a big fan of Rhydians right from the start, to be denied voting for him in the finale is outrageous.
P.S I dont like the way the judges pumped up Leon with compliments on the last song and then talked to Rhydian like he had already lost?? I have also always been a big fan of Simon Cowell, but he really let us down by not supporting Rhydian in the final moments of the show. I knew Rydian had lost at that point, maybe it was a fix?

Sarah Lain, Pembroke, Wales

i called about 10 times for rhydian and could not get through
i belive it was a con and will not be watching x factor again ever
which is a shame as i do enjoy it so, but at the end of the day I have to belive its going to be an honest show and not the crap that came out at the end of this one to be able to watch it.

gerry dooley, cheshire, england