Christopher Maloney leaves The X Factor

Christopher Maloney has come third in the X Factor final.

Flash

The Liverpudlian had to leave the competition tonight (December 8) after receiving the fewest number of votes to win from the viewing public.

He earlier performed renditions of Irene Cara's 'Flashdance... What a Feeling' and Take That's 'Rule the World' - a duet with his mentor Gary Barlow - on the show.

The 34-year-old call centre worker was automatically eliminated and lost out for a place in tomorrow's final, held in Manchester, to acts James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas.

After presenter Dermot O'Leary read out the result, Maloney applauded before being shown a montage of his highlights.

O'Leary then turned to Maloney and said: "This poor guy has had to put up with so much", before asking how he felt.

Maloney replied: "Do you know what, I feel like I've already won", before adding that coming third was "fantastic".

His mentor Gary Barlow simply said: "Congratulations. Amazing. He's done brilliantly."

Speaking further on The Xtra Factor to presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, Maloney said: "Do you know what, I feel on top of the world. I feel like I've already won getting this far. I'm very proud, I was the Wildcard and I've come third and it's all down to the public vote."

Barlow then added: "He's not Chris any more, he's the Maloney", before saying that it was great to be back in Manchester.

"The last time I performed in here was 1993, so it was nice to be back and sing with him," added Barlow.

Having the final word, Maloney said of his fans: "Just want to say thank you so much for supporting me, and it's not the end for me, it's just the beginning."

Maloney's departure leaves Douglas and Arthur to battle it out tomorrow night (December 9) to become the winner of The X Factor 2012.