WHEN former painter and decorator Matt Cardle turned up at an audition for The X Factor nearly two years ago, little did he know that he would soon be performing to thousands of fans as he embarks on a tour around the country.

Matt, who beat teen favourites One Direction and Rebecca Ferguson to claim the title of X Factor winner 2010, will be in town tonight as part of his extensive 23-date tour of the UK and Ireland. Matt will show the O2 Academy Bournemouth why he was the nation’s favourite contestant.

After winning the prize, Matt went straight to the top of the charts with his single When We Collide, securing himself the Christmas number one spot. Last year, he toured with the X Factor, and over the last four months he has been releasing singles from his debut album Letters.