Joe McElderry says he still can't believe he won this year's X Factor.

The 18-year-old singer, from South Shields, told GMTV his victory over Olly Murs in last night's final had yet to sink in.

"I am still pinching myself, I cannot believe it, that I am sitting here, and that I have just won X Factor," he said.

McElderry described the programme, which began in August, as “the best experience of my life”.

The singer was also asked if he knew anything about tabloid reports that Simon Cowell is planning to take the him to America.

According to The Sun newspaper, the music mogul is planning a £5million deal to make McElderry the new Zac Efron.

"I have not heard about this, this is news to me,” the singer said on GMTV this morning.

“I wouldn't turn it down if that was the case."

Almost 20 million people watched last night's final – making it one of the most lucrative weekends in British broadcasting history.

The winner's debut single, a cover of The Climb by Miley Cyrus, is available now.