X Factor winner James Arthur: I want to release album as quickly as possible

X Factor winner James Arthur (Rex Features)

X Factor winner James Arthur is eager to release an album "as quickly as possible" and has already written some tracks.

The singer-songwriter told ITV's Daybreak: "I'm just going to work hard and get my album out as quickly as possible and not wait around.

"I've got a lot of material to go so now as soon as I get back into the studio I'll be ready."

Arthur, 24, sang the praises of fellow finalist Jahmene Douglas, 21, saying: "Jahmene I think is world-class. That guy is going to do phenomenally well off the back of this competition because he has had a chance to showcase just how amazing he is."

Arthur, whose single Impossible is already number one in the iTunes chart, said: "It is starting to sink in, I was overwhelmed.

"That is why my reaction was so still. I couldn't believe it. I actually thought (Dermot O'Leary) said Jahmene."

He said he had not heard directly from Simon Cowell, but had seen his congratulatory comment on Twitter saying: "Congratulations James on winning X factor uk. You deserved this."

The winner shed light on speculation surrounding semi-finalist Christopher Maloney's absence from the final show, explaining: "I think he was a little bit unwell."

Maloney supported this by tweeting: "thank u TheXFactor had a wonderful Time. an amazing experience. love u all. sorry I had a sore throat an doctor signed me off. good luck x."

He added: "take no notice of crap in papers! I'm fine. it's just a final stretch of sensational headlines lol. whatever xx we know the truth xx."

Arthur spoke of his experience of singing a duet with judge and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

He said: "It was phenomenal singing with my mentor. She is a mega-star and as an aspiring singer it was what you dream of."

PA