Who is Dalton Harris? What songs has last X Factor winner released, career now - and axed TV show past winners

Popular singing show The X Factor launched the careers of stars including Leona Lewis, Little Mix and One direction, but ITV has announced that there are currently no plans for another series.

An ITV spokesperson said: "There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage."

The show last aired in 2018, when Dalton Harris was crowned the winner.

But who is Dalton Harris and what is he doing now?

Here’s what you need to know.

Who is Dalton Harris?

Dalton Harris won The X Factor in 2018, being crowned the winner after performing week after week against other hopefuls.

The judging panel was made up of Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field, with Dermot O’Leary as host. with Harris making it to the final alongside Scarlett Lee and Anthony Russell.

The Jamaican singer was mentored by One Direction star and first-time X Factor judge, Louis Tomlinson, beating Scarlett Lee - who came second - and Anthony Russell - who claimed third place - in the ITV final.

Harris made the final and won the contest without appearing in a single sing-off.

His X Factor winner’s song was The Power of Love - a duet between himself and 2012 winner of the show, James Arthur.

The X Factor wasn’t Harris’ first talent show win, as at the age of just 16 he won Digicel Rising Stars in 2012, a tv talent show in his home country of Jamaica.

He also released three albums prior to his appearance on The X Factor.

What is Dalton Harris doing now?

In December 2019, the singer released his first single ‘Cry’. Harris said at the time of the song’s release that the single means a lot to him and that he hoped fans would love it as much as he did.

However, unlike previous winners of The X Factor, although he still received a Syco record deal, he didn’t receive the £1 million recording contract.

The singer also came out as pansexual on social media in 2020, opening up about his sexuality and struggles with mental health.

The star has since shared his gratitude for his supportive fans, revealing that the term ‘pansexual’ had been searched a record number of times in his home country of Jamaica.

He said: “Always good to help educate & spread awareness & acceptance.

“I am overwhelmed by the love. For those that experience similar challenges and reached out keep fighting and thank you for being here and continuing to hang in there.”

Who else has won The X Factor?

The show began in 2004 and has therefore had a multitude of winners over the years. This includes:

- Steve Brookstein - 2004

- Shayne Ward - 2005

- Leona Lewis - 2006

- Leon Jackson - 2007

- Alexandra Burke - 2008

- Joe McElderry - 2009

- Matt Cardle - 2010

- Little Mix - 2011

- James Arthur - 2012

- Sam Bailey - 2013

- Ben Haenow - 2014

- Louisa Johnson - 2015

- Matt Terry - 2016

- Rak-Su - 2017