Matt Cardle, a painter and decorator from Essex, is taking a break from his day job to enjoy up to twelve months as a professional singer.
Cardle, 27, won this year’s X Factor, but is expected to be back painting skirting boards in time for Christmas 2012.
He will inevitably top the charts this Christmas with his debut single, a cover of Biffy Clyro’s Many of Horror, thanks in part to his “better than average voice,” says X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.
And for that Cardle will net a cool £1million, equivalent to 0.3 per cent of the fortune moobs-tucked-in-trousers X Factor creator Simon Cowell will earn this year.
In Sunday’s final Matt saw off stiff competition from some of the fittest boys in year 9, One Direction, and the most talented female vocalist from the North West since Sonia, Rebecca Ferguson.
Matt’s former boss Davey says he has already pencilled in a return to work for his former apprentice next winter.
“It’s going to be one hell of a year for Matt,” said Davey.
“He’ll be number one, then he has to squeeze in two flop singles and a badly-received debut album before admitting defeat and going on the cruise ships.
“After a bit of time working with some major stars – getting them coffee – Matt should be back with us by November next year.”
Davey also confirmed that he is happy to give Matt time to pursue his acting career while working shifts glossing doorframes.
“He’ll realise he’s a rubbish pop star, so he’ll pretend he always wanted to be an actor instead. If he wants to work panto season while giving me a hand that’s no problem.”
Matt is also said to be considering a job share with former Big Brother winner and handyman Craig Phillips.
