HarperCollins announced today a publishing first – a two year deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), Syco Entertainment and Modest! Management to publish The X Factor winner’s books, beginning this year with the series seven winner whose book will be released in conjunction with their first single at Christmas. The deal was agreed by Natalie Jerome, Publishing Director for Harper Non-Fiction, and Pindy O’Brien at FME. The first book will be published on 20th December 2010, just five days after the winner is announced. With the ability to uncover talent of global appeal such as Brit and Grammy nominated Leona Lewis (over 10 million albums sold worldwide), Brit and Mobo nominated Alexandra Burke (double Platinum album) and Brit and Mobo winners JLS (triple Platinum album), and attract record audiences on a weekly basis, The X Factor is one of the UK’s biggest entertainment shows and now airs in over 20 countries. Now, for the first time ever, fans will be able to read the winner’s full account of their rollercoaster experience.

Packed full of unseen photographs shot especially for the book by acclaimed fashion photographer Simon Harris, backstage footage, behind-the-scenes gossip and the remarkable story of the winner’s journey from hopeful to pop star sensation, this book is a must-have for all fans of The X Factor. Stunningly designed and packaged, it is the perfect gift for Christmas.

The book will also be accompanied by the release of an ebook of the winner’s story 72 hours after the live final. An enhanced version of this title will include unique video and audio materials from the winner.

Jerome says, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be publishing the winner of The X Factor this year! The show is an absolute juggernaut giving unsigned talent the most unbelievable platform – as we’ve seen with the success of JLS and the books that we have published with them. We are pulling out all the stops to deliver not only the fastest book to press ever achieved but a multi media package that encompasses some truly groundbreaking digital activity. It is going to be a very exciting and busy Christmas!’

O’Brien commented, “The winners’ books will be a great addition to The X Factor off air brand extension activity and a great gift for the fan who has everything. We’re looking forward to working with HarperCollins on delivering really exciting and high quality books over the next two series.”

The X Factor is one of the most-watched entertainment programmes in the UK. Airing on ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, The X Factor was created by Simon Cowell and is owned and produced by Syco TV (a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment) and talkbackTHAMES (a FremantleMedia company). The official X Factor website, www.itv.com/xfactor, is produced by talkbackTHAMES digital with ITV and is the online home for The X Factor 2010. The X Factor is sponsored by TalkTalk.