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By SARAH BULL
Departure: Simon Cowell leaves the X Factor studios last night with fiancée Mezhgan HussainyHis act One Direction might have fallen at the last hurdle on The X Factor final last night, but that didn't stop judge Simon Cowell looking like the cat that got the cream as he left the television studios with fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy.
The 51-year-old smiled widely for photographers as he was photographed getting into a car with his stunning 37-year-old girlfriend and heading home after a long night.
And it's no wonder his grin continued as the pair pulled out of the studios, as make-up artist Mezhgan looked stunning in a flattering grey silk dress and matching pashmina.
Cowell must also be looking forward to his Christmas away with Mezhgan in Sandy Lane in Barbabos - the exclusive hotel resort where he has spent the past five Christmases.
Time for a break: Mezhgan and Simon will now be preparing for Cowell's annual Christmas trip to BarbadosThe pair, who met on the set of American Idol and became engaged in February this year, have been spending a lot of time apart in recent months due to Mezhgan's commitments in the US and Cowell's jobs here in the UK.
But, for now at least, they are reunited as Cowell enjoys a break from his busy schedule in the run-up to Christmas.
And it seems Cowell, who is apparently worth £165million, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, will actually be spending more and more time in America, as he prepares to launch the US version of The X Factor.
Support: Cowell's friend Jackie St Clair was at the final to offer the mogul support, as was his mother Julie
On the show's final last night, Cowell refused to confirm whether or not he will be back for next year's series of the show, saying only: 'The show will be back.'
He said: 'I have actually enjoyed doing this series more than any other because it's been controversial, and that stops it being boring.
'As soon as you get bored, the audience get bored and there's no show. Simple as that.'
Heading home: After a long night, Louis Walsh left the studios arm in arm with Cowell's friend Sinitta
Exit: Winning judge Dannii Minogue looked delighted as she left the studios, while Cheryl Cole appeared emotional
Comfort: Louis, who backed Cheryl's act Rebecca from the beginning, gives her mentor Cheryl a big hugBut the audience certainly weren't left bored on last night's final, with performances from the finalists One Direction, Rebecca Ferguson and eventual winner Matt Cardle, as well as a special rendition of The Flood from Take That.
However, while the band wowed the audience with their energetic performance, there was some controversy surrounding the staging of their show.
It is claimed that Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen were keen to be accompanied by dancers dressed as riot police as they performed their new single Kidz.
Happy and in love: Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field appeared in good spirits as they left the studio after Take That's performanceCowell was thought to have been less than impressed with the idea, telling the group the costumes were 'inappropriate' following clashes between students and the authorities over university fees last week.
A source told The Sun: 'When Simon found out about the riot cop fear he was upset.
'For him, The X Factor is an entertainment show pure and simple. It's about people having a good time - it's not about politics.
'He thought it wasn't on. He told Take That it was insensitive and inappropriate and asked them to change things.
Finalists: Rebecca Ferguson came in second place, while 17-year-old Cher Lloyd came in fourth position'Take That might be a huge band, but when it comes to the X Factor, Simon calls the shots.'
The result was that Take That took to the stage without dancers as they performed The Flood.
Band member Robbie Williams later looked more than satisfied with their performance as he left the studios with wife Ayda Field, who looked stunning in a pair of tiny black hotpants and knee-high boots.
Meanwhile, while One Direction might not have won The X Factor last night, but they are still expected to be offered a recording contract after their success on the show.
Time to head off: One Direction's Niall Horan and Liam Payne leave the studios after the show, while bandmate Zayn Malik left hand-in-hand with Belle Amie's Geneva LaneIt is not yet clear whether or not Cowell will be the one at the helm of the offer, but he said last week he was considering signing all four of the show's finalists - including 17-year-old diva Cher Lloyd.
He said: 'I haven't made a decision yet on whether I will give all finalists a record deal. But it is definitely a possibility. I will just have to see how they perform.'
After the boys finished third last night, Cowell said: 'I'm absolutely gutted for them, but for everyone who's bothered to pick up the phone over the past few weeks, I really appreciate it.
'All I can say is, this is just the beginning for these boys.'
And bandmate Zayn Malik, 17, added: 'We're definitely going to stay together. This is not the last of One Direction.'
Late-night snack: After congratulating best friend Matt with his win, Aiden Grimshaw grabbed some food with a pretty blonde friend
Controversial: Wagner and Katie Waissel were back on the show for a losers' song last nightThe boys will no doubt be hoping to achieve the same fortune as the show's most famous group, JLS, who have made incredibly successful careers for themselves despite coming in second on the programme in 2008.
Rebecca Ferguson, who came second on the show, will also be hoping to achieve chart success through her appearance on the programme, although it seems the mother-of-two is hoping to get back to normal life for a while in the meantime.
She wrote on Twitter last night: 'Wow what an experience will miss everyone but cannot wait to see my beautiful babies and be mummy again for a lil while xxxx'
She then added: 'Thankyou to everyone that voted for me your amazing!! I am so happy love you all and well done matt voice of an angel xxxx'
Celebrity guests: Previous winner Joe McElderry and Shaun Ryder, fresh from the jungle in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! made an appearance at the finalRebecca was spotted leaving the X Factor studios last night looking chic in a black dress coat, leggings and heels.
And despite the fact her protégé Rebecca appeared to be in good spirits as she left the studios, her mentor Cheryl Cole seemed more than a little upset about the fact her act didn't win the series.
Looking emotional as she said goodbye to fellow judge Louis Walsh, Cheryl made her way to her car to head home after an action-packed finale.
Smiles all round: Coleen Rooney appeared in good spirits as she left Liverpool's Echo Arena after commentating from Rebecca's hometownIf Rebecca had won the show, it would have been Cheryl's third consecutive annual win, after she mentored both Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry.
Also seen leaving the studios last night was Dannii Minogue, who couldn't hide her delight over her act Matt Cardle's win.
Putting her arms across her body in the traditional X Factor 'X' pose, Dannii smiled widely for photographers as she exited the studios in Wembley.
She later tweeted: 'Thank you to everyone who voted for Matt - you have made our year :-)'
source: dailymail [endtext]