[Red Moon]

Leon Fans Camp Out To See First Concert

FANS of Leon Jackson are set to camp out overnight to see his first gig as X Factor winner tomorrow.

Tickets will be released before dawn for the chance to see the heart-throb take part in a special gig just a few miles from his home.

The 18-year-old star will also sign copies of his debut single When You Believe, which looks certain to be the Christmas No1.

Leon said he was thrilled to be travelling north of the Border for the first time since beating Rhydian Roberts in Saturday's final.

He said: "I'm so excited about coming home for the first time since winning The X Factor.

"It's going to be such an honour to perform the single in my homeland - I can't wait.

"The signing will be amazing too. I can't wait to see everyone."

The 18-year-old will perform at the Almondva lecentrein Livingston - not far from from his home in Whitburn - at 8pm tomorrow.

In a bid to cope with the rush, 750 fans can get hold of free wristbands from the centre's HMV store from 7am on the day. They expect some to camp out all night.

The wristbands guarantee access to the signing of his single at HMV at 6pm, where they can meet the star before watching him perform in the centre later.

Leon hopes the homecoming concert will also give him the chance to spend some time with his mumWendy.

He has only seen her for 10 minutes following his win in London before he was whisked away to a press conference and to fulfil new work commitments.

An insider said: "Leon is so excited about going home. It's the first time he'll perform as the winner and the first time he has been on home soil since winning.

"He's looking forward to being back and spending some time with his mum and he'll also be able to thank some of his home fans for their support."

Former clothes shop assistant Leon broke down in tears as he landed a £1million record deal.

He thanked his Scots fans and said he was proud to have put Whitburn on the map.

Grateful town leaders want to thank him by hosting a civic reception in his honour.

Provost Tom Kerr, who met the former Whitburn Academy pupil last week, sent a letter to Leon's house offering to throw the bash.

And the council leader will tomorrow put a motion before the full council to get official backing.

Tom said: "It was a delight to meet Leon and his mum last week. He certainly has a star personality."

After his win, Leon said he wanted to buy 40-year-old Wendy a new house.

But yesterday she said she wouldn't allow him to spend all his earnings on her and she was happy in the council flat where she brought him up.

And the down-toe arth single mum added: "I haven't even got a packet of Christmas cards yet or a tree up or anything."

Punters enjoyed an early Christmas bonus after backing Leon at the weekend.

Bookies paid out tens of thousands of pounds to loyal fans who bet he would win the show.

A pensioner in Portsmouth won £8000 after putting £1000 on Leon with her first-ever flutter.

Ladbrokes said they paid out £20,000 to Scots punters - half in West Lothian.

Joan Longridge, 66, from Whitburn, pocketed £100 after putting £20 on Leon.

She said: "I will be buying my Christmas dinner with my winnings and also Leon's single for my granddaughter."

Kirsty Wilson, 18, put £5 on and scooped £20 profit.

She said: "Saturday night was brilliant. I know Leon and I thought he was brilliant. I will definitely be buying his single."

Tam Stewart and his wife Isabel, 68, also from Whitburn, had placed £6 on Leon, picking up a £21 profit.

Tam, 66, said: "We voted 10 times. He is a brilliant laddie. He came from nowhere to win it."

Meanwhile, dozens of fans had problems downloading When You Believe from music website iTunes.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

LEON'S X Factor win is just the beginning of his fight for success. He'll be hoping to emulate Leona Lewis rather than Steve Brookstein. Here are the reality TV winners and losers

WILL YOUNG
Pop Idol 2002

The singer-songwriter has gone on to be one of the most successful talent show winners.

MICHELLE McMANUS
Pop Idol 2004

After her win, the Glasgow-born singer has maintained a showbiz career and works as a DJ.

HEAR'SAY Popstars

They sold three million records. Kym Marsh is in Coronation Street and Myleene Klass is a TV presenter. Suzanne Shaw has apppeared on stage inmusicals. Noel SullivanandDannyFoster weren't so lucky.

GIRLS ALOUD Popstars: The Rivals

They won the Christmas No1 battle with One True Voice and are still one of the country's top pop bands, with a string of hit singles, three multi-platinum albums and sell-out tours.

SHAYNE WARD
X Factor 2005

Disappeared from the public eye after his big win but is now back with a new single and album.

LEONA LEWIS
X Factor 2006

Has hit the charts in style after last year's win, with No1 singles and debut album.

Source: Daily Record

[Jackie]

I reckon it will be packed solid if their giving out free wristbands to see him.

[XxShortyxX]

Well there is noway I would camp out in this weather, by the time they see him they will be dead by freezing to death.

[GiRTh]

What are these people on? I bet it's a load of young girls too. Sad.