French fans decide that Matthew has X Factor

A London student is set to make millions across the Channel after winning the French version of The X Factor.

Matthew Raymond-Barker, 22, failed to make it past the boot camp stage of the UK show and today admitted he was still "in shock" at his surprise victory.

The singer is studying languages at Bath University and entered the competition while on a six-month secondment in Toulouse. He has won a recording contract with Sony and will release his first single in France soon.

Speaking from Paris today, Raymond-Barker, from Mitcham, said: "It was really weird when the judge said my name and the fireworks went off - I just started crying. It hasn't sunk in yet, today feels like a normal day - I think I'm still in shock."

Raymond-Barker triumphed by 1,300 votes over rival Marina D'Amico in the televised final in front of more than two million French viewers.

He added: "My voice cracked in the final song in front of the judges and I was really disappointed, but they told me not to be down about it."

Raymond-Barker made it through auditions in November and survived boot camp and 10 live finals. He sang alongside chart-topper Bruno Mars on his way to victory in last night's show.

His mother Karen, who was in the audience with a group of 20 friends and family, said: "When they said his name we went mental, screaming and crying. He only entered it for a laugh to see if he could get any further than he did in the English one. But I always said he had a lovely voice."

In the minutes afterwards his Twitter and Facebook fan pages were inundated with messages from French fans congratulating him. His mother added: "The French seem to have taken him into their hearts."

Raymond-Barker, who has never had singing lessons, said he would now take time out from studying to pursue his music career. He plans to stay in France.

He added: "I'd love to do something like Jessie J, but you have to be realistic. I never thought an English person could do so well. But it's turned out to be the experience of my life."