James Arthur : my story

Introducing James Arthur - the winner of The X Factor 2012! 'I still can't get my head around being on the UK's biggest talent search, singing in front of millions of people every week - let alone winning it.

This is the story of how my dream became reality. 'Before the show, I felt I had no future.

I'd been working so hard for so many years, through an endless succession of bands and gigs, that at my lowest point I nearly gave up on my dream.

The competition changed everything. I've grown so much, both as an artist and as a person, and I hope I've finally achieved something that will make my family proud.

This is the full story of how I got there - my story, in my words.'