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Well, it’s all over now - 15m series votes, viewing figures that made the advertisers swoon and a ‘glossy win’ for 27 year old painter and decorator Matt Cardle, who will now sign on the dotted line of a lucrative recording contract.

But what about the other X Factor names who we’ve come to know so well over the last few months? Is it really the end of their showbiz dreams or just the beginning of a stellar performing career?  Former X Factor contestants have gone on to great things in West End shows (notably Diana Vickers in Little Voice, Niki Evans in Blood Brothers and Brenda Edwards in We Will Rock You).

We cast about the UK Tickets office to speculate on which prominent roles this year’s finalists could take in the future...

Diva Fever – Priscilla Queen of the Desert

A wildcard choice for the final 16, Diva Fever’s dreams of a life on stage were cruelly cut short in the second week sing off - ‘I Will Survive’ not being enough to save them from the judges’ vote. Loud, proud and definitely taking the bus from now on, the duo are perfect candidates for leading roles in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre.

Storm Lee – We Will Rock You

Extrovert Storm Lee left the X Factor in a huff, aiming barbs at the credibility of the show for serious songwriters. With We Will Rock You continuing the fight against plastic pop at the Dominion Theatre, what better show for the hot-headed star to continue his crusade for individuality in music!

Katie Waissel – Shrek the Musical

F.Y.D – Wicked

They want to be rich, they want to be famous, they want to be known by millions and one day work again with Simon Cowell – perfect candidates then to play that evil dictator the Wizard’s flying monkeys in the hit show Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Fly my pretty’s, fly!

Wagner – The Phantom of the Opera

Wagner’s jaw-dropping performances dazzled the nation, with thousands taking to the internet in support of the veteran contestant. A misunderstood figure, a cult hero for many, an eye for beautiful ladies and a face that should be hidden by a mask... yes, you’ve guessed it, next stop ‘The Phantom’ for the Brazilian medley king. Well, it’s either that or having him haunt the X Factor studio next year, sending a mighty spotlight crashing down on the judges in cold-blooded revenge!

Cher Lloyd – The Wizard of Oz

With her eye for fashion, we think Cher Lloyd may have her sights set on Danielle Hope’s red shoes. Ever since her unique audition performance of Turn My Swag, the 17 year old from Malvern has been swept up by a storm of publicity and dropped in a magical show-business land. With her distinctive voice and grime-influenced style she’d certainly make a memorable Dorothy. One to watch if Motown’s urban retelling of the classic story ‘The Wiz’ ever makes it back to the stage!