Matt Cardle: Little Mix Deserved To Win X Factor

Last year's champ also claims the judging panel should be left alone...

2010 X Factor champion Matt Cardle has praised Little Mix, stating he believes they "deserved" to win this year's series.

The When We Collide hitmaker, who fought off tough competition from Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction to take home the title last year, told The Press Association: "Out of the two that were left standing they definitely deserved it. A great act has won this year,"

As for runner-ups Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily, Cardle insisted they shouldn't feel bad about losing out to Little Mix, claiming: "I think that anyone who gets as far as the live shows should be proud of themselves because of how many people enter the competition, and to get even to the last 12 is amazing,"

The 28-year old went on to state that he hopes the new judges remain on the panel, following Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue's exit.

He explained: "I didn't think they needed a shake-up in the first place and I don't think they need another one. It will be good to have them settle in a little bit."

Matt added: "Simon and Louis and Cheryl and Dannii had four years or something to settle in, just leave as it is,"

Victorious panelist Tulisa Contostavlos is already expected to return, with The Sun suggesting she could receive a £450,000 pay rise!

WATCH MTV'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH 2010 X FACTOR WINNER MATT CARDLE HERE!

SEE PICS OF LITTLE MIX FROM THE X FACTOR 2011 HERE!

CHECK OUT PICS OF 2010 X FACTOR WINNER MATT CARDLE HERE!

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