THE REAL WINNER
5 times the X Factor runner up did better than the winner – from One Direction to Olly Murs
X FACTOR is back on the box and hoping to find the nation a brand new star.
But sometimes the show's runner up proves to be a BIGGER hit than the actual winner...
5
G4 and Steve Brookstein
The first ever X Factor in 2004 saw Steve Brookstein win the show.
But unfortunately due to his comments about the show and fall out with Sharon Osbourne, he failed to make it and was quickly dropped by Simon Cowell's record label.
Meanwhile, second place G4 went onto have huge success
The operatic pop group played to sell out crowds and had two platinum-selling albums and one gold, before splitting in 2007.
The band got back together in 2015.
5
Rhydian Robert and Leon Jackson
With his bright blonde spiky hair, their was no doubt everyone knew who Rhydian Roberts was on X Factor 2007.
Although he didn't win the show, he has fared better than the winner of the show Leon Jackson.
Since the show, he has gone on to become a star of musical theatre, starring in shows like We Will Rock You, Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease.
Leon on the other hand has disappeared into obscurity following his big win.
5
JLS and Alexandra Burke
Although Alexandra Burke has stayed in the public eye since winning X Factor, JLS gained a higher profile.
The boys came in second in 2008 and went on to have more chart success than the winner of their series.
The band has since split.
Alexandra and Aston Merrygold from JLS are soon to go head-to-head again with both starring in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
5
Olly Murs and Joe McElderry
Again, both of these acts have done well since X Factor, but Olly Murs has had far more hit singles than 2009 winner Joe McElderry.
Olly has also carved a career as a TV presenter, with a stint fronting The X Factor itself.
Meanwhile Joe has been enjoying a career in musical theatre, which has seen him take on the starring role in Joseph.
5
One Direction and Matt Cardle
The biggest act to date BY FAR to come out of X Factor has to be One Direction.
But the boys didn't win the show when they appeared in 2010, they came THIRD.
Coming in first place was Matt Cardle (we all remember what Harry Styles whispered in his ear when he was crowned winner).
Although Matt has been successful since leaving the show, there is no doubt that 1D were the clear winners this particular year.
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