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Steve Brookstein - Jazz and soul singer Steve Brookstein from Dulwich, London, won the first-ever series of the competition in 2004. He gained success with his debut single, 'Against All Odds'.

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Steve Brookstein - Even after releasing his album, 'Heart and Soul', Sony BMG dropped the artist from the label eight months into his contract. He has since released songs that failed to hit the charts, as well as a biography by the name 'Getting Over the X' in 2014.

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Shayne Ward - Shayne Ward beat Andy Abraham and Journey South to 'The X Factor' crown in 2005.

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Shayne Ward - His first two albums were a success, but his third was a flop. Ward was dropped by Simon Cowell's record label, Syco, in 2011. In 2015 he joined the cast of 'Coronation Street'.

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Leona Lewis - It was no surprise that Leona Lewis won the show in 2006. She was by far the favourite to win! Her winning song 'A Moment Like This' gained the singer huge success and sales that helped kick-start her career.

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Leona Lewis - The star has enjoyed a string of successes since her win, including hit songs 'Bleeding Love', 'Run', and 'I See You', which was used as the theme song to 'Avatar'. In 2013, she parted ways with Syco to join Universal and is still making music today.

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Leon Jackson - Scottish singer Leon Jackson won the fourth season of 'The X Factor' in 2007.

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Leon Jackson - His winning single failed to reach target sales and he was eventually dropped from Cowell's label. Other releases throughout the years have also flopped. That said, the star has reached quite the following on social media thanks to his rocking body.

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Alexandra Burke - 2008 winner Alexandra Burke sang her final song on the show with the queen of pop, Beyonce! 

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Alexandra Burke - She not only sang with Beyonce, but toured with her too. Since her win she has had a few hit singles, including 'Bad Boys', 'Start Without You', and 'Broken Heels'. She also starred in musicals in the West End and competed in last year's 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

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Joe McElderry - Sweet Geordie Joe McElderry was a favourite with older viewers, which resulted in his win in 2009.

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Joe McElderry - Since being dropped from Syco in 2011, McElderry went on to other reality shows 'Popstar to Operastar' (2011) and 'The Jump' (2014) and won them both. He released his fifth album, 'Saturday Night At The Movies', in 2017.

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Matt Cardle - Matt Cardle beat One Direction and Rebecca Ferguson to the title in 2010. Despite his win, he's the one we have heard least from!

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Matt Cardle - His album 'Letters' was in the charts for 16 weeks and even peaked at number two in 2011. Despite this, Syco dropped the star in 2012. Cardle has since collaborated with Mel C and they released a joint track, 'Loving You', in 2013.

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Little Mix - Little Mix was the first ever girl group to win 'The X Factor', seven years ago! 

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Little Mix - The band has only soared since the win and is constantly in the charts. They are one of the most successful girl groups around and have gained huge following in both the UK and the US.

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James Arthur - James Arthur won 'The X Factor' in 2012 with his hit single 'Impossible'. He was also dubbed as the "most controversial" contestant ever on the show.

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James Arthur - Fame got too much for the singer, which made him turn to drugs. After using homophobic lyrics in his music, Cowell dropped the artist from his label. Four years later, Arthur came back with new music, a hit single 'Say You Won't Let Go'.

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Sam Bailey - Former prison officer Sam Bailey became the ninth contestant to win the popular competition in 2013. Her winning song, 'Skyscraper', was a cover of Demi Lovato's song and was the first 'X Factor' single to top Christmas charts since 2010.

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Sam Bailey - In 2015, the star released her autobiography, split from her record label Syco, and won the role of 'Mama Morton' in the musical 'Chicago'. Bailey also released her second album, 'Sing My Heart Out', which she funded herself.

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Ben Haenow - Croydon-born singer Ben Haenow was crowned winner of 'The X Factor' in 2014.

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Ben Haenow - Despite being signed by Syco Music, he was dropped by the label a year after. He has since married his long-term love, Jessica Jones, and is currently enjoying marital bliss.

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Louisa Johnson - Louisa Johnson was the youngest contestant to ever win 'The X Factor' at the tender age of 17.

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Louisa Johnson - The star has since soared and she has many hit singles under her belt. She has collaborated with internationally famous British group Clean Bandit and American indie band AJR.

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Matt Terry - Nicole Scherzinger was Matt Terry's mentor when he won 'The X Factor' in 2016. He beat bookies favourite Saara Aalto to the title.

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Matt Terry - He was the second contestant on the show to win the contest with an original song. Terry collaborated with Enrique Iglesias on a version of 'Subeme La Radio'. Since then, Terry's singles have failed to make the charts. But who knows what he'll do next!

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Rak-Su - Last year's winners, a group called Rak-Su, are an R&B, hip-hop, and rap foursome.

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Rak-su - Since their big win last December, the group has released a single called 'Dimelo' featuring Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy. Who knows what the future holds!

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